C Locrian scale
The C Locrian scale is a 7-note locrian scale built on the root C. Its notes are C, C♯, E♭, F, F♯, A♭ and B♭. The unstable seventh mode — diminished tonic and a flat fifth, rarely used as tonal centre. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make C Locrian a powerful tool for improvising and composing.
Locrian is rare as a tonal centre because of its diminished tonic, but it is essential for understanding modal theory and shows up in metal and avant-garde jazz. Built on the root C, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where C is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The C Locrian scale follows a minor scale with a flat second and a flat fifth (H-W-W-H-W-W-W). Step pattern: H - W - W - H - W - W - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2m · 3m · 4P · 5d · 6m · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
C Locrian on the piano
C Locrian on the guitar
C Locrian on the staff
Hear the C Locrian scale
Notes of the C Locrian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | C |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | C♯(C#) |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | E♭(Eb) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | F |
| 5 | 5d | 6 | F♯(F#) |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | A♭(Ab) |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | B♭(Bb) |
Diatonic chords of C Locrian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the C Locrian scale
The diatonic chords of C Locrian are: i° = C°, II = C♯, iii = E♭m, iv = Fm, V = F♯, VI = A♭, vii = B♭m. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in C Locrian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Locrian is rare as a tonal centre because of its diminished tonic, but it is essential for understanding modal theory and shows up in metal and avant-garde jazz.
Practice tips
Locrian is best learned as a theoretical exercise: spell each diatonic chord and notice why the diminished tonic makes it unstable.
Famous songs in this key
C Locrian appears throughout locrian is rare as a tonal centre because of its diminished tonic, but it is essential for understanding modal theory and shows up in metal and avant-garde jazz. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to C Locrian
Once you are comfortable with C Locrian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with C Locrian and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C Locrian scale?
What is the formula for the C Locrian scale?
Is C Locrian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the C Locrian scale?
Which genres use C Locrian?
How do I practise the C Locrian scale?
Take C Locrian into your music
Build progressions, find chord voicings and improvise with confidence using our music tools.