C Locrian Mode

C – Db – Eb – F – Gb – Ab – Bb
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 C Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the Db Major scale. It has a diminished quality with flatted second and fifth degrees, the most dissonant of the seven modes.

C Locrian Mode Notes

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicC4P1
♭2SupertonicDb4m2
♭3MediantEb4m3
4SubdominantF4P4
♭5DominantGb4d5
♭6SubmediantAb4m6
♭7Leading ToneBb4m7
8OctaveC5P8

C Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C Locrian mode?

C Locrian contains: C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb. Seventh mode of Db Major. Both the 2nd and 5th are flatted — the flatted 5th (Gb) gives Locrian its uniquely unstable, diminished character.

How does C Locrian differ from C Natural Minor?

Two notes differ: C Locrian has Db (minor 2nd) and Gb (diminished 5th). The flatted 5th is critical — it means the tonic chord is diminished, making Locrian the only mode with no stable tonic.

What is the parent major scale of C Locrian?

C Locrian is the seventh mode of Db Major. Same seven notes with C as tonal centre.

How is C Locrian used in music?

Locrian is the rarest mode because its tonic chord is diminished (unstable). It appears in metal, progressive jazz, and experimental music. Most commonly used as a passing mode over half-diminished chords.

What chords are built from C Locrian?

Cdim, Db, Ebm, Fm, Gb, Ab, Bbm. The diminished tonic (Cdim) is what makes Locrian unique and challenging.

What songs use the Locrian mode?

Army of Me (Bjork) uses Locrian elements. Progressive metal bands (Meshuggah, Dream Theater) use Locrian for its dark, unstable quality. It is more a compositional tool than a key centre.

Practice Tips

  • The diminished tonic makes Locrian the most unstable mode — play C Locrian and notice how nothing feels resolved.
  • The flatted 5th (Gb) is the Locrian signature — compare with C Phrygian (which has a perfect 5th).
  • Practice C Locrian over a Cm7b5 (half-diminished) chord — this is its primary jazz application.
  • Locrian is the only mode where the tonic triad is diminished — understand why this makes it rare in tonal music.
  • Metal uses Locrian for maximum darkness — try a heavy riff on the C–Db half step.
  • Compare all three dark minor modes: C Aeolian → C Phrygian → C Locrian — each progressively darker.