C bebop locrian scale diatonic chords
C bebop locrian scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
C bebop locrian scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the C bebop locrian scale produces a specialized chord set for half-diminished passages, adding a chromatic bridge chord that smooths out the naturally harsh Locrian sound. The chords of C bebop locrian are C diminished, Db unknown, Eb unknown, G minor seventh, Ab unknown, G diminished, Ab major, Bb minor. These chords allow jazz accompanists to maintain rhythmic momentum through difficult ii° passages. The chromatic addition creates smoother voice leading than standard Locrian harmony alone. Commonly used in Modern Jazz, Post-Bop, Fusion. Notable players include John Coltrane, Woody Shaw, Steve Coleman.
The C bebop locrian scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭6 ♭7.
Intervals: H-W-W-H-H-H-W-W.
Diatonic chords: C diminished, Db unknown, Eb unknown, G minor seventh, Ab unknown, G diminished, Ab major, Bb minor.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | C diminished |
| ii | Db unknown |
| iii | Eb unknown |
| IV | G minor seventh |
| V | Ab unknown |
| vi | G diminished |
| vii° | Ab major |
| 8 | Bb minor |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (C diminished) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Db unknown) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Eb unknown) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (G minor seventh) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Ab unknown) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (G diminished) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Ab major) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the C bebop locrian scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the C bebop locrian scale on guitar.
bebop locrian is the Locrian with added chromatic passing tone. View C Locrian scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over m7b5 chords. Maintains bebop rhythmic alignment in the most dissonant harmonic context.