How do you harmonize the C locrian #2 scale?

To harmonize C locrian #2, stack thirds from each scale degree to build diatonic chords. This produces triads and seventh chords that naturally fit within the key of C locrian #2.

C locrian #2 chords

All guitar chords for the C locrian #2 scale

Show scale diagram ↓

Chord Voicings

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

C locrian #2 scale diatonic chords

IC dim

IID dim

IIIE♭ minor

IVF minor

VF♯ aug

VIA♭ major

VIIB♭ major

C locrian #2 scale seventh chords

IC m7♭5

IID m7♭5

IIIE♭ mmaj7

IVF m7

VF♯ major seventh flat sixth

G♭ - B♭ - D - F

VIA♭ 7

VIIB♭ 7

scale

Fretboard diagram

C locrian #2 scale — chords and intervals

The harmonized C locrian #2 scale produces a more melodic half-diminished chord family, with a natural second degree that enables smoother voice leading than standard Locrian. The chords from C locrian #2 are C diminished, D diminished, Eb minor, F minor, Gb augmented, Ab major, Bb major. Jazz musicians prefer these chords for ii-V-i progressions in minor keys. The natural 2 allows for more singable melodic lines over the half-diminished chord, making this the standard choice for minor ii-V resolution. Commonly used in Jazz, Post-Bop, Contemporary. Notable players include John Coltrane, Woody Shaw, Steve Coleman.

The C locrian #2 scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7.

Intervals: W-H-W-H-W-W-W.

Diatonic chords: C diminished, D diminished, Eb minor, F minor, Gb augmented, Ab major, Bb major.

Degrees	Chord
I	C diminished
ii	D diminished
iii	Eb minor
IV	F minor
V	Gb augmented
vi	Ab major
vii°	Bb major

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (C diminished) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (D diminished) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Eb minor) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (F minor) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Gb augmented) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (Ab major) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Bb 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 locrian #2 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 locrian #2 scale on guitar.

locrian #2 is the 6th mode of the Melodic Minor scale. View C Melodic minor scale

Related Scales

How to Use This Scale

Use over m7b5 chords. The preferred jazz choice over half-diminished chords (vs standard Locrian which sounds too harsh).