How do you harmonize the D locrian scale?

To harmonize D locrian, stack thirds from each scale degree to build diatonic chords. This produces triads and seventh chords that naturally fit within the key of D locrian.

D locrian chords

All ukulele chords for the D locrian scale

Show scale diagram ↓

Chord Voicings

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

D locrian scale diatonic chords

ID dim

IIE♭ major

IIIF minor

IVG minor

VA♭ major

VIB♭ major

VIIC minor

D locrian scale seventh chords

ID m7♭5

IIE♭ maj7

IIIF m7

IVG m7

VA♭ maj7

VIB♭ 7

VIIC m7

scale

Ukulele fretboard diagram

D locrian scale — ukulele chords and intervals

The harmonized D locrian scale generates the most unstable chord family of all the modes, with a diminished tonic chord that provides no sense of rest. This makes Locrian harmony a specialized tool for creating extreme tension. The chords of D locrian are Dm7b5, EbMaj7, Fm7, Gm7, AbMaj7, Bb7, Cm7. In practice, Locrian chords are used over half-diminished passages in jazz rather than as a standalone key. The i°-bII movement creates a restless, searching quality useful for transitional sections and building suspense. Commonly used in Jazz, Metal, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include John Coltrane, Meshuggah, Dream Theater.

The D locrian scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7.

Intervals: H-W-W-H-W-W-W.

Diatonic chords: Dm7b5, EbMaj7, Fm7, Gm7, AbMaj7, Bb7, Cm7.

Degrees	Chord
I	Dm7b5
ii	EbMaj7
iii	Fm7
IV	Gm7
V	AbMaj7
vi	Bb7
vii°	Cm7

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (Dm7b5) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (EbMaj7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Fm7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Gm7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (AbMaj7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (Bb7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Cm7) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.

This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the D locrian scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.

Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the D locrian scale on ukulele.

locrian is the 7th mode of the Major scale. View D Major scale

Related Scales

How to Use This Scale

Use over m7b5 (half-diminished) chords. Essential for jazz ii-V-i in minor keys where the ii chord is half-diminished.