Bb Locrian Mode
Bb – Cb – Db – Eb – Fb – Gb – Ab
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 Bb Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the Cb Major scale. It has a diminished quality with flatted second and fifth degrees, the most dissonant of the seven modes.
Bb Locrian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | Bb4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | Cb5 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | Db5 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | Eb5 | P4 |
| ♭5 | Dominant | Fb5 | d5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | Gb5 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | Ab5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | Bb5 | P8 |
Bb Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Bb Locrian mode?
Bb Locrian contains: Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab. Seventh mode of Cb Major.
How does Bb Locrian differ from Bb Natural Minor?
Flatted 2nd (Cb) and flatted 5th (Fb).
What is the parent major scale?
Seventh mode of Cb Major (enharmonically B Major).
How is Bb Locrian used in music?
Over Bbm7b5. Jazz, metal.
What chords are built from Bb Locrian?
Bbdim, Cb, Dbm, Ebm, Fb, Gb, Abm.
What songs use Locrian?
Progressive metal, experimental jazz.
Practice Tips
- Diminished tonic.
- Over Bbm7b5 in jazz.
- All flats — distinctive shape.
- The flatted 5th (Fb/E) defines Locrian.
- Compare with Bb Phrygian.
- Metal applications.