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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