LocrianThe Locrian mode is the least commonly used but offers a distinctively tense and unresolved sound, primarily due to its diminished fifth. It is one of the seven musical modes derived from the major scale, starting on the seventh degree, and is characterized by a unique pattern of intervals.In the Locrian scale, the steps are as follows: Half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole. Starting on B (a suitable choice for illustrating Locrian, as it naturally occurs on the white keys of a piano without the need for sharps or flats), the scale is as follows:B, C, D, E, F, G, A, BHere are the distances between the notes:

• B to C: half step
• C to D: whole step
• D to E: whole step
• E to F: half step
• F to G: whole step
• G to A: whole step
• A to B: whole step

This interval pattern, particularly the diminished fifth, gives the Locrian mode its signature dissonant and unstable quality. The Locrian mode can be initiated on any note to create various Locrian scales. For instance, a D Locrian scale would be presented as:D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C, DNote the scale adjustments (E♭, A♭, and B♭ in this case) to maintain the Locrian mode's specific sequence of half and whole steps, ensuring the mode's distinctive sound.