C locrian (C, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭) has five flats in its key signature and its diminished 5th (G♭) creates maximum harmonic instability. It is the most dissonant of the diatonic modes and is used almost exclusively over Cm7♭5 chords in jazz. C locrian rarely serves as a tonal center due to its unresolved, collapsing quality.
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 C Locrian are: Cdim, Db, Ebm, Fm, Gb, Ab, Bbm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Locrian?
C locrian (C, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭) has five flats in its key signature and its diminished 5th (G♭) creates maximum harmonic instability. It is the most dissonant of the diatonic modes and is used almost exclusively over Cm7♭5 chords in jazz. C locrian rarely serves as a tonal center due to its unresolved, collapsing quality.
What notes are in the C Locrian?
The C Locrian 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 have?
The C Locrian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Cdim, Db, Ebm, Fm, Gb, Ab, Bbm.
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
C is at the 12 o'clock position. Related keys: G (dominant), F (subdominant), A (relative minor), D (supertonic), Bb (subtonic).