D Locrian Major Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
D Locrian Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Locrian Major scale is a 20th-century hybrid that combines the stability of a major third with the dissonance of a Locrian base. On Piano, it contains the notes D, E, F#, G, Ab, Bb, C. It was used by experimental composers to create a sound that is both familiar and alien. Commonly used in Experimental, Contemporary Classical, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Gyorgy Ligeti. Use in experimental composition over polytonal or atonal passages. A tool for creating cognitive dissonance.
Notes: D, E, F#, G, Ab, Bb, C
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-W-H-H-W-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: arabian
How to Play D Locrian Major on Piano
On piano, the D Locrian Major scale uses 3 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 Major scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative major is F# major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the D Locrian Major scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (D-F#, E-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 Major scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the D Locrian Major scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The D Locrian Major scale contains 7 notes (D, E, F#, G, Ab, Bb, C). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.