How do you harmonize the C locrian scale?

To harmonize C locrian, 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.

C locrian chords

All guitar chords for the C locrian scale

Show scale diagram ↓

Chord Voicings

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

C locrian scale diatonic chords

IC dim

IIC♯ major

IIIE♭ minor

IVF minor

VF♯ major

VIA♭ major

VIIB♭ minor

C locrian scale seventh chords

IC m7♭5

IIC♯ maj7

IIIE♭ m7

IVF m7

VF♯ maj7

VIA♭ 7

VIIB♭ m7

scale

Fretboard diagram

C locrian scale — chords and intervals

The harmonized C locrian scale generates the most unstable chord family of all the modes, with a diminished tonic chord that provides no sense of rest. This makes Locrian harmony a specialized tool for creating extreme tension. The chords of C locrian are Cm7b5, DbMaj7, Ebm7, Fm7, GbMaj7, Ab7, Bbm7. In practice, Locrian chords are used over half-diminished passages in jazz rather than as a standalone key. The i°-bII movement creates a restless, searching quality useful for transitional sections and building suspense. Commonly used in Jazz, Metal, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include John Coltrane, Meshuggah, Dream Theater.

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

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

Diatonic chords: Cm7b5, DbMaj7, Ebm7, Fm7, GbMaj7, Ab7, Bbm7.

Degrees	Chord
I	Cm7b5
ii	DbMaj7
iii	Ebm7
IV	Fm7
V	GbMaj7
vi	Ab7
vii°	Bbm7

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (Cm7b5) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (DbMaj7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Ebm7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Fm7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (GbMaj7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (Ab7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Bbm7) 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 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 scale on guitar.

locrian is the 7th mode of the Major scale. View C Major scale

Related Scales

How to Use This Scale

Use over m7b5 (half-diminished) chords. Essential for jazz ii-V-i in minor keys where the ii chord is half-diminished.