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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:

G♯ – A♯ – B♯ – C♯ – D – E – F♯

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:

W – W – H – H – W – W – W

Applied to G♯, this gives us:

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

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 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