B locrian (B, C, D, E, F, G, A) has no sharps or flats in its key signature and its diminished 5th (F) creates the unstable, dissonant character that defines the locrian mode. It is used over Bm7♭5 chords in jazz, particularly in ii–V–i progressions in A minor. B locrian uses only white keys but sounds far from simple.
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.
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.
The diatonic chords in B Locrian are: Bdim, C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Locrian?
B locrian (B, C, D, E, F, G, A) has no sharps or flats in its key signature and its diminished 5th (F) creates the unstable, dissonant character that defines the locrian mode. It is used over Bm7♭5 chords in jazz, particularly in ii–V–i progressions in A minor. B locrian uses only white keys but sounds far from simple.
What notes are in the B Locrian?
The B Locrian contains the notes: B, C, D, E, F, G, A. This is a 7-note scale starting from B.
How many chords does the B Locrian have?
The B Locrian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Bdim, C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am.
What is the formula for the Locrian?
The Locrian follows the interval formula: H-W-W-H-W-W-W (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
B is at the 5 o'clock position. Related keys: F# (dominant), E (subdominant), Ab (relative minor), C# (supertonic), A (subtonic).