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The Locrian Mode

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In this course we’ll be taking a detailed look at the Locrian mode, which is one of the less-frequently used modes. This mode works is typically used over the diminished chord and has a very dark sound.

We'll be focusing on learning the B Locrian mode in this course, which belongs to the home key of C major. We'll begin by learning to play it all over the fingerboard using the 'content over patterns' method, after which we will work through a series of bass grooves that put the mode to use. By the end of this course you should be very familiar with the sound of the Locrian mode and feel confident using it in your own lines.

Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above to get hold of the PDF transcription and the audio files for this piece (available to subscribers only).

This course contains the following videos, each of which can be selected from the video player above:

1 - INTRODUCTION TO THE LOCRIAN MODE

In this video we’ll be talking about the Locrian mode and discussing how and where it is commonly used.

2 - PLAYING THE LOCRIAN MODE

In this video I’ll be showing you how to play the B Locrian mode all over the fingerboard using the ‘content over patterns’ theory. In learning to play the mode this way, you’ll be concentrating on the notes rather than memorising any restrictive fretboard patterns.

3 - LOCRIAN EXERCISE #1

This exercise is a fast rock-funk groove uses the B Locrian mode, from the home key of C major. The fills in this line accent the flattened second (C) and fifth (F), the two most characteristic notes of the mode.

4 - LOCRIAN EXERCISE #2

This slow groove uses the E Locrian mode, from the home key of F major. This line sounds very effective if you can allow the low E in the first and third bars to ring as long as possible.

5 - LOCRIAN EXERCISE #3

This heavily syncopated groove uses the F# Locrian mode, from the home key of G major.

6 - LOCRIAN EXERCISE #4

This rock bassline uses the D Locrian mode, from the home key of Eb major. The implied Dm7b5 chord is clearly outlined in the second half of the first and third bars.

7 - LOCRIAN EXERCISE #5

This line is an up-tempo funk groove that uses the E Locrian mode, from the home key of F major. Rests are important here, and it’s crucial that you keep all notes staccato where possible. The double stop in the second bar is a tritone between the root and flattened fifth of the mode, the combination of which clearly defines the diminished tonality.