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

IID major

IIIE minor

IVF♯ minor

VG major

VIA major

VIIB minor

C♯ locrian scale seventh chords

IC♯ m7♭5

IID maj7

IIIE m7

IVF♯ m7

VG 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 C#m7b5, DMaj7, Em7, F#m7, GMaj7, A7, Bm7. 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: C#m7b5, DMaj7, Em7, F#m7, GMaj7, A7, Bm7.

Degrees	Chord
I	C#m7b5
ii	DMaj7
iii	Em7
IV	F#m7
V	GMaj7
vi	A7
vii°	Bm7

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (C#m7b5) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (DMaj7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Em7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (F#m7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (GMaj7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (A7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Bm7) 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.