D Locrian 6 Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
D Locrian 6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Locrian 6 scale is a rare and dissonant mode that adds a major sixth sparkle to a dark Locrian base. On Piano, its notes are D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C. It provides a unique modal variation for experimental compositions and is used to create a sense of distorted major tonality. Commonly used in Experimental, Jazz, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Steve Coleman. Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in experimental contexts. A modal exploration tool rather than a standard jazz choice.
Notes: D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-H-WH-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: locrian natural 6, locrian sharp 6
Musical Character
Adds a major 6th sparkle to the otherwise dark Locrian mode — a contradiction that creates a uniquely unsettled, 'glitchy' quality.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Experimental, Jazz, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Allan Holdsworth, Steve Coleman
How to Use the D Locrian 6 Scale
Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in experimental contexts. A modal exploration tool rather than a standard jazz choice.
Origin & Background
The second mode of the harmonic minor scale. Used in experimental composition.
How to Play D Locrian 6 on Piano
On piano, the D Locrian 6 scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on D and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The D Locrian 6 scale contains 2 flats (Eb, Ab). Its relative major is F major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Begin by playing the D Locrian 6 scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (D-F, Eb-G) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian 6 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in experimental contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the D Locrian 6 scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a distorted quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Locrian 6 is the 2nd mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. View D Harmonic minor scale
The D Locrian 6 scale contains 7 notes (D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Piano. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.