scale
Ukulele fretboard diagram
C locrian scale — ukulele 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 ukulele.
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.