A piano reference: chords, scales, theory & ear training.
/
Mode · Reference entry
C Locrian Mode
Locrian mode · C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ · intervals P1-m2-m3-P4-d5-m6-m7-P8
The C Locrian Mode contains the notes C, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, and B♭. Its step pattern is H-W-W-H-W-W-W. A minor scale with both flatted 2nd and 5th — the darkest mode, rarely used as a tonic.
Maintained for accuracy · Last updated July 2026 · How we review
Flashcards · Scale
Three questions on C Locrian Mode
Answer on the keyboard, not with buttons. No login required.
The C Locrian scale contains seven notes: C, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, and B♭. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern H-W-W-H-W-W-W.
The C Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the D♭ 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
Key Signature
The C Locrian Mode draws its notes from Db Major, so it is written with that key signature: 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic:Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Diatonic Chords in the C Locrian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the C Locrian Mode:
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.
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.