

In short: Locrian mode = Loads of Tension! What Scale Degree Does the Locrian Mode Start On? When this type of chord becomes your tonic, no melody or harmony will ever feel resolved. The diminished sound also contributes to the Locrian Mode having a dark, ugly, and unstable nature.ĭiminished chords are considered a “passing chord” and would be used sparingly in chord theory.ĭiminished chords generally want to resolve to the “one chord” or tonic. The tonic chord in Locrian is also a diminished chord instead of a major or minor chord like all other modes. This lack of perfect fifth creates instability in melodies and a sense of no resolution to the listener. However, the Locrian Mode flattens the fifth scale degree and gets rid of the perfect fifth interval. It creates a strong sense of melodic resolution and satisfaction. This perfect fifth resolves to the first chord in a very pleasing way. In all other modes, there is a perfect fifth musical interval. The Locrian mode has more in common with a diminished scale rather than a minor scale.

Locrian is technically a minor mode because it has a minor third however, its sound is a little more complicated than that.

The Locrian Mode is the darkest mode of the major scale. Using a mode can color your melody in exciting and fresh ways. Modes are sometimes called church modes or greek modes, and each one has a distinct sonic vibe.Ī mode can be used in melody and to build chord progressions when songwriting. There are many types of modes beyond the seven based on the major scale.įor practicality and songwriting purposes, when we discuss modes, we talk about the major scale modes. Modes are a series of intervals (distance between notes) based on the notes of a musical scale.

How I Write A Vocal Melody | Understanding Modes To Craft Musical Earworms
