E Locrian Minor Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
E Locrian Minor Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Locrian Minor scale infuses the bleak Locrian framework with the dramatic augmented second of harmonic minor, producing a leading tone that drives powerful cadential resolution. On Piano, the notes are E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, D#. It bridges the gap between classical minor-key drama and Locrian instability, serving neo-classical metal and dark film scoring with equal intensity. Commonly used in Jazz, Neo-Classical, Metal, Film Scores. Notable players include Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen. Use over dim7 and m7b5 chords where a stronger cadential pull is needed. The natural 7th acts as a leading tone, allowing V-i type resolutions from within a Locrian framework.
Notes: E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, D#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: W-H-W-H-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
A Locrian variant with harmonic minor influence: the augmented 2nd between the b6 and natural 7 adds a classical, dramatic flair to the otherwise bleak Locrian landscape. The leading tone creates stronger resolution than standard Locrian.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Neo-Classical, Metal, Film Scores
Notable players: Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen
How to Use the E Locrian Minor Scale
Use over dim7 and m7b5 chords where a stronger cadential pull is needed. The natural 7th acts as a leading tone, allowing V-i type resolutions from within a Locrian framework.
Origin & Background
A synthetic mode that grafts the harmonic minor's leading tone onto the Locrian framework. The result preserves the diminished 5th instability of Locrian while adding the dramatic augmented 2nd interval that defines the harmonic minor family.
How to Play E Locrian Minor on Piano
On piano, the E Locrian Minor scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on E and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The E Locrian Minor scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative major is G major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the E Locrian Minor scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on E to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian Minor scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in neo-classical contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the E Locrian Minor 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 dark quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The E Locrian Minor scale contains 7 notes (E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, D#). 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.