B Locrian Mode
B – C – D – E – F – G – A
Formula:H-W-W-H-W-W-W
Intervals:P1-m2-m3-P4-d5-m6-m7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-♭2-♭3-4-♭5-♭6-♭7-8
Introduction
The B Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the C Major scale. It has a diminished quality with flatted second and fifth degrees, the most dissonant of the seven modes.
B Locrian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | B4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | C5 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | D5 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | E5 | P4 |
| ♭5 | Dominant | F5 | d5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | G5 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | A5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | B5 | P8 |
B Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the B Locrian mode?
B Locrian contains: B, C, D, E, F, G, A. All white keys. Seventh mode of C Major. Flatted 2nd and 5th.
How does B Locrian differ from B Natural Minor?
Two notes: flatted 2nd (C instead of C#) and flatted 5th (F instead of F#).
What is the parent major scale?
Seventh mode of C Major. All white keys with B as tonal centre.
How is B Locrian used in music?
Over Bm7b5 in jazz. B Locrian is all white keys, making it the easiest Locrian to study. Metal and progressive music.
What chords are built from B Locrian?
Bdim, C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am. The diminished tonic (Bdim) is the vii° chord in C Major.
What songs use Locrian?
Progressive metal, experimental jazz. B Locrian is common in theory education because it uses all white keys.
Practice Tips
- B Locrian is all white keys — the easiest Locrian to study and hear.
- The B–C half step and diminished 5th (F) define the sound.
- Over Bm7b5 (the vii chord in C Major) in jazz — the primary application.
- B Locrian is how most theory students first encounter Locrian — start here.
- Compare with B Phrygian — only the 5th differs (F vs F#).
- The darkest B mode — nothing resolves because the tonic triad is diminished.