The second mode of Harmonic Minor is known as Locrian ♮6 (Locrian Natural 6).

Scale formula

The formula for the Harmonic Minor scale is:

 1 – ♭2 – ♭3 – 4 – ♭5 – 6 – ♭7

As the name suggests this is the Locrian mode just with a natural (major) 6th instead of a flattened 6th. It is dark and mysterious, but more melodic than standard Locrian due to the major 6th.

Chords

• min7b5
• altered Dom7

Usage

The Locrian ♮6 mode is an intriguing variation of the standard Locrian mode, derived from the Harmonic Minor Scale. It maintains the diminished quality of Locrian but introduces a natural 6th, which gives it a less dark and more mysterious, unstable, yet melodic sound. This mode is particularly useful in jazz, fusion, progressive metal, and film scoring.

In a Fusion or Modern Jazz context, try Locrian ♮6 over half-diminished chords in modal comping. Instead of resolving, you can cycle around ii-V changes using Locrian ♮6 for a modern sound.

In progressive metal, Locrian ♮6 is often used to create a sinister but more melodic tension over diminished or half-diminished chords. Bands like Dream Theater and Opeth often incorporate Locrian-based melodies but prefer Locrian ♮6 for its added tension and resolution.

Because of its dark, unstable but not fully atonal sound, it’s great for suspense scenes in film music. It has been used in horror and thriller soundtracks, especially when moving between minor and diminished harmonies.