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E Locrian Major Scale

The E Locrian major scale, sometimes referred to as the E major Locrian scale or E Arabian scale, is the 5th mode of the A Neapolitan major scale.

E Locrian major is a rare scale and is not frequently used in contemporary music. It can be derived by raising the 2nd and 3rd of the E Locrian scale.

This page covers everything you need to know about the E Locrian major scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

E Locrian Major Scale Notes

The E Locrian major scale contains the following notes:

E – F♯ – G♯ – A – B♭ – C – D

These notes come directly from the A Neapolitan major parent scale, starting on its 5th degree (E).

E Locrian Major Piano Diagram

This diagram highlights which keys belong to the E Locrian major scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.

E Locrian Major Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Locrian major scale is:

W – W – H – H – W – W – W

Applied to E, this gives us:

Thus, E Locrian major is built with the following scale degrees:

This structure gives the Locrian major scale a distinctive sound: it includes a major 3rd (G♯) alongside a diminished 5th (B♭), creating a bright but unstable quality that is uncommon in traditional major/minor harmony.

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy playing in E Locrian major, you may also like:

E Locrian Major Scale FAQs

How is E Locrian major different from E Locrian?

E Locrian major has a major 2nd (F♯) and major 3rd (G♯), while E Locrian has a minor 2nd (F) and minor 3rd (G).

How is E Locrian major different from E natural minor?

E Locrian major has a major 3rd (G♯) and a diminished 5th (B♭), while E natural minor has a minor 3rd (G) and a perfect 5th (B).

How is E Locrian major different from E Phrygian Dominant?

E Locrian major has a major 2nd (F♯) and a diminished 5th (B♭), while E Phrygian Dominant has a minor 2nd (F) and a perfect 5th (B).

What is the parent scale of E Locrian major?

A Neapolitan major. E Locrian major uses the same notes as A Neapolitan major, but starts on its 5th degree (E).

Is E Locrian major the same as the E Arabian scale?

E Locrian major is sometimes referred to as the E Arabian scale in Western theory, but this name is informal.

Summary: E Locrian Major Scale