B♭ locrian is a deeply unstable, dissonant scale whose diminished 5th prevents any tonal resolution. It is enharmonically equivalent to A♯ locrian (A♯, B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯) and is used over B♭m7♭5 chords in jazz ii–V–i progressions. B♭ locrian is one of the rarest keys in all of Western music.
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 Bb Locrian are: Bbdim, B, Dbm, Ebm, E, Gb, Abm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Locrian?
B♭ locrian is a deeply unstable, dissonant scale whose diminished 5th prevents any tonal resolution. It is enharmonically equivalent to A♯ locrian (A♯, B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯) and is used over B♭m7♭5 chords in jazz ii–V–i progressions. B♭ locrian is one of the rarest keys in all of Western music.
What notes are in the Bb Locrian?
The Bb Locrian contains the notes: Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab. This is a 7-note scale starting from Bb.
How many chords does the Bb Locrian have?
The Bb Locrian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Bbdim, B, Dbm, Ebm, E, Gb, Abm.
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
Bb is at the 10 o'clock position. Related keys: F (dominant), Eb (subdominant), G (relative minor), C (supertonic), Ab (subtonic).