The B Locrian scale contains seven notes: B, C, D, E, F, G, and A. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern H-W-W-H-W-W-W.
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 | B | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | C | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | D | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | E | P4 |
| ♭5 | Dominant | F | d5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | G | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | A | m7 |
Key Signature
The B Locrian Mode draws its notes from C Major, so it is written with that key signature: no sharps or flats.
Diatonic Chords in the B Locrian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the B Locrian Mode:
How Locrian Relates to the Major Scale
Mode
Key
B Locrian uses the same notes as C Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
C Ionian=D Dorian=E Phrygian=F Lydian=G Mixolydian=A Aeolian=B Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the B mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.
| Parallel Mode | Common Notes | Shared / 7 |
|---|---|---|
| B Dorian | B – C – D – E – F – G – A – B | 8 / 7 |
| B Phrygian | B – C – D – E – F – G – A – B | 8 / 7 |
| B Lydian | B – C – D – E – F – G – A – B | 8 / 7 |
| B Mixolydian | B – C – D – E – F – G – A – B | 8 / 7 |
| B Ionian | B – C – D – E – F | 5 / 7 |
| B Aeolian | B – C – D – E – F | 5 / 7 |
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.