Chords in C Locrian Mode

UnstableTenseDissonant

Locrian is the darkest and most unstable mode, with a diminished tonic chord that resists traditional resolution. Rare in mainstream music but essential in jazz, death metal, and experimental composition for creating maximum tension. Its diatonic chords include a diminished i and minor ii, producing inherently unstable harmony.

Transpose to any key, progressions & circle of fifths

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Formula

H-W-W-H-W-W-W

Semitones: 1-2-2-1-2-2-2

Key Signature

DbEbGbAbBb

5 flats

Explore

Locrian Mode in the glossary Key Explorer tool Browse all C chords Chord Flashcards Ear Training Metronome

Characteristic Sound

Locrian is the only mode with both a flattened 2nd and flattened 5th, creating a diminished tonic chord that resists resolution. These two intervals produce maximum harmonic instability — the sound of tension without release.

Key intervals:♭2♭5

Mode Family

Diatonic Mode Family

The seven diatonic modes — parallel modes starting from the same root with different interval patterns. Each mode has a unique character derived from the major scale.

Notes:

CDbEbFGbAbBb

Scales with similar note sets — useful for exploring substitutions and modal interchange.

♮5 substitutionPhrygian Mode 5 notes sharedBlues Scale 2 notes differentNatural Minor Scale (Aeolian)2 notes differentMinor Pentatonic Scale 3 notes differentHarmonic Minor Scale

Chromatic Mediant Relationships

Chords a third away from the root — not diatonic to this scale. Common in film scoring and jazz.

M3 ↑

EE Em

m3 ↓

AA Am

Locrian Mode scale FAQ

What chords are in C Locrian Mode?

The diatonic chords in C Locrian Mode are: Cdim, C#, Ebm, Fm, F#, Ab, Bbm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.

What is the Locrian Mode?

Locrian is the darkest and most unstable mode, with a flattened 2nd and 5th degree. Its diminished tonic makes it rare in traditional harmony, but it appears in jazz, metal, and experimental music for maximum tension.

What notes are in the C Locrian Mode?

The C Locrian Mode contains the notes: C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb. This is a 7-note scale starting from C.

How many chords does the C Locrian Mode have?

The C Locrian Mode produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Cdim, C#, Ebm, Fm, F#, Ab, Bbm.

What is the formula for the Locrian Mode?

The Locrian Mode follows the interval formula: H-W-W-H-W-W-W (W = whole step, H = half step).