Locrian #2: The Half-Diminished Scale
Learning Focus
Music Style
Free Lessons
Get free weekly lessons, practice tips, and downloadable resources to your inbox!
Learn how to use the Locrian #2 (half-diminished scale) sound for m7b5 (half-diminished) chords —quickly!
In this Quick Tip, John Proulx breaks down the scale and explains the easy shortcut to find it: go up a minor 3rd and play melodic minor (e.g., Dø7 → F melodic minor) to unlock smooth lines, avoid harsh b9 clashes, and flow into V7alt → minor i.
You’ll also get plug-and-play locrian #2 licks and a backing track for the minor 2–5–1 (iiø–V7alt–i). Perfect for jazz standards and minor blues.
Check it out and keep upgrading your jazz piano improvisation with Piano With Jonny.
Writer
Daine Jordan
Daine is a diverse and award-winning pianist, composer, and producer. Trained from a young age on classical piano, Daine has since ventured into nearly all avenues of music. He began to play professionally starting at age 16. Daine has composed for and performed with nearly every type of ensemble, from...
More Free Lessons
Learn my “no note” system for turning plain major, minor and dominant chords into thick, lush cluster voicings, then use it to transform Amazing Grace.
Learn to play sensual jazz piano with four crunchy chords, a left hand accompaniment for every level, and the four key soloing positions for improvising with the minor blues scale.
Learn three of Post Malone's pianist David Crutcher's best licks (funk, blues turnaround, and a showstopping waterfall lick), all built on a simple three chord system.
Looking for downloads?
Subscribe to a membership plan for full access to this Quick Tip's sheet music and backing tracks!
Join Us
Get instant access to this Quick Tip and other member features with a PWJ membership!
Guided Learning Tracks
View guided learning tracks for all music styles and skill levels
Progress Tracking
Complete lessons and courses as you track your learning progress
Downloadable Resources
Download Sheet Music and Backing Tracks
Community Forums
Engage with other PWJ members in our member-only community forums
Become a better piano player today. Try us out completely free for 14 days!
