C♭ Locrian Mode
Hear the C♭ Locrian Mode played for you.
C♭ – D𝄫 – E𝄫 – F♭ – G𝄫 – A𝄫 – B𝄫
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 Cb Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the Dbb Major scale. It has a diminished quality with flatted second and fifth degrees, the most dissonant of the seven modes.
C♭ Locrian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | C♭ | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | D𝄫 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | E𝄫 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | F♭ | P4 |
| ♭5 | Dominant | G𝄫 | d5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | A𝄫 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | B𝄫 | m7 |
How Locrian Relates to the Major Scale
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
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 C♭ 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C♭ Dorian | C♭ – D𝄫 – E𝄫 – F♭ – G𝄫 – A𝄫 – B𝄫 – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Phrygian | C♭ – D𝄫 – E𝄫 – F♭ – G𝄫 – A𝄫 – B𝄫 – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Lydian | C♭ – D𝄫 – E𝄫 – F♭ – G𝄫 – A𝄫 – B𝄫 – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Mixolydian | C♭ – D𝄫 – E𝄫 – F♭ – G𝄫 – A𝄫 – B𝄫 – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Aeolian | C♭ – D𝄫 – E𝄫 – F♭ – G𝄫 | 5 / 7 |
| C♭ Ionian | C♭ – D𝄫 – E𝄫 – F♭ | 4 / 7 |
C♭ Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Cb Locrian mode?
Cb Locrian is the enharmonic equivalent of B Locrian. Same notes: Cb/B, Dbb/C, Ebb/D, Fb/E, Gbb/F, Abb/G, Bbb/A.
How does Cb Locrian differ from Cb Natural Minor?
Flatted 2nd and 5th. Diminished tonic.
What is the parent major scale?
Seventh mode of Dbb Major (enharmonically C Major).
How is Cb Locrian used in music?
Musicians use B Locrian in practice.
What songs use Locrian?
Sound identical regardless of spelling.
Do I need both spellings?
Learn B Locrian and understand the enharmonic relationship.
Practice Tips
- Cb Locrian and B Locrian are enharmonic.
- Translate to B Locrian (all white keys) for easier reading.
- Keyboard notes identical.
- Understanding both spellings builds fluency.
- Diminished tonic defines the sound.
- Compare with Cb Phrygian.
Related Tools
Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.