B Locrian scale
The B Locrian scale has the notes B C D E F G A. Its formula is 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7. It is mode 7 of the C major scale: the same notes, starting on B. Key signature: no accidentals.
It can also be written as C♭; we use the spelling with fewer accidentals.
Scale notes
| Degree | Formula | Note |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | B tonic |
| II | b2 | C |
| III | b3 | D |
| IV | 4 | E |
| V | b5 | F |
| VI | b6 | G |
| VII | b7 | A |
Chords of the scale
| Symbol | Chord | Notes | Chord-scale | Tensions | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iø modal center | Bø | B D F A | Locrian B | 11 (E), b13 (G) | b9 (C) |
| bIIMaj7 | CMaj7 | C E G B | Ionian C | 9 (D), 13 (A) | 11 (F) |
| bIIIm7 | Dm7 | D F A C | Dorian D | 9 (E), 11 (G), 13 (B) | – |
| IVm7 | Em7 | E G B D | Phrygian E | 11 (A) | b9 (F), b13 (C) |
| bVMaj7 | FMaj7 | F A C E | Lydian F | 9 (G), #11 (B), 13 (D) | – |
| bVI7 | G7 | G B D F | Mixolydian G | 9 (A), 13 (E) | 11 (C) |
| bVIIm7 | Am7 | A C E G | Aeolian A | 9 (B), 11 (D) | b13 (F) |
Character and characteristic note
The Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the major scale and the darkest and most unstable. It has a flat second and a flat fifth (b5), so its tonic chord is half-diminished (ø) and it is rarely used as a tonal center.
- Effect: unbalanced, very dark.
- Characteristic note: b5.
How to use it
Center Iø. No characteristic chords or move: only the characteristic note b5. There are no Locrian pieces; Inner Urge only holds a -7b5.
Examples
- Inner Urge (only holds a -7b5)
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B Locrian scale?
B C D E F G A. 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7.
What chords can you build on the B Locrian scale?
The seventh chords on each degree are Iø = Bø, bIIMaj7 = CMaj7, bIIIm7 = Dm7, IVm7 = Em7, bVMaj7 = FMaj7, bVI7 = G7, bVIIm7 = Am7.
Which major scale is the B Locrian scale a mode of?
It is mode 7 of the C major scale; they share the same notes.
Other modes on the same tonic
Related scale: C major scale