C♯ locrian (C♯, D, E, F♯, G, A, B) has two sharps in its key signature and its diminished 5th (G) creates the unstable, dissonant character that defines the locrian mode. It is used over C♯m7♭5 chords in jazz contexts, particularly in ii–V–i progressions in B minor. C♯ locrian is rarely a tonal center.
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: C#dim, D, Em, F#m, G, A, Bm. 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 two sharps in its key signature and its diminished 5th (G) creates the unstable, dissonant character that defines the locrian mode. It is used over C♯m7♭5 chords in jazz contexts, particularly in ii–V–i progressions in B minor. C♯ locrian is rarely a tonal center.
What notes are in the C# Locrian?
The C# Locrian contains the notes: C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B. 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: C#dim, D, Em, F#m, G, A, Bm.
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).
Page detail levelSimple keeps pages short: extra theory and advanced controls stay tucked away until you open them. Everything shows every section and control at once.
Position in circle of fifths
C# is at the 7 o'clock position. Related keys: Ab (dominant), F# (subdominant), Bb (relative minor), Eb (supertonic), B (subtonic).