G Locrian Major Scale

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

G 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 G Locrian scale.

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

G Locrian Major Scale Notes

The G Locrian major scale contains the following notes:

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

G Locrian Major Piano Diagram

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

G Locrian Major Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Locrian major scale is:

Applied to G, this gives us:

• G → A
• A → B
• B → C
• C → D♭
• D♭ → E♭
• E♭ → F
• F → G

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

• Root (G)
• Major 2nd (A)
• Major 3rd (B)
• Perfect 4th (C)
• Diminished 5th (D♭)
• Minor 6th (E♭)
• Minor 7th (F)

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

Related Scales and Modes

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

• G Locrian (G Locrian major with a flat 2nd and 3rd)
• G natural minor (G Locrian major with a flat 3rd and raised 5th)
• G Phrygian Dominant (G Locrian major with a flat 2nd and raised 5th)
• C Neapolitan major (parent scale)

G Locrian Major Scale FAQs

How is G Locrian major different from G Locrian?

G Locrian major has a major 2nd (A) and major 3rd (B), while G Locrian has a minor 2nd (A♭) and minor 3rd (B♭).

How is G Locrian major different from G natural minor?

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

How is G Locrian major different from G Phrygian Dominant?

G Locrian major has a major 2nd (A) and a diminished 5th (D♭), while G Phrygian Dominant has a minor 2nd (A♭) and a perfect 5th (D).

What is the parent scale of G Locrian major?

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

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

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

Summary: G Locrian Major Scale

• Notes: G, A, B, C, D♭, E♭, F
• Mode: 5th mode of C Neapolitan major
• Formula: W, W, H, H, W, W, W