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C Locrian Mode
Also known as: Diminished Scale
Unstable, dissonant, and unsettling. The ♭5 prevents any sense of resolution.
Scale Facts & Direct Summary
The C Locrian Mode consists of the pitches C, C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A#. Its interval formula is H-W-W-H-W-W-W with relative steps 0-1-3-5-6-8-10. It is widely used in Metal, Jazz, Progressive music for its distinct unstable, dissonant, and unsettling. the ♭5 prevents any sense of resolution..
C Locrian Mode Notes
C1
C#♭2
D#♭3
F4
F#♭5
G#♭6
A#♭7
C8
Notes: C - C# - D# - F - F# - G# - A# - C
Scale Formula & Intervals
Interval Pattern
H-W-W-H-W-W-W
W = Whole step (2 semitones), H = Half step (1 semitone)
Scale Degrees
1 - ♭2 - ♭3 - 4 - ♭5 - ♭6 - ♭7
Scale degrees relative to the root note
Semitones from Root
01356810
Famous Songs Using This Scale
1
Army of Me
Björk
2
YYZ (sections)
Rush
Practice Tips for C Locrian Mode
- ✓The 7th mode of the major scale
- ✓The only mode with a diminished 5th
- ✓Rarely used as a tonal center due to instability
- ✓Great for creating tension and unease
Common Genres
MetalJazzProgressiveExperimentalFilm Scores
Practice This Scale
Use our interactive scale practice tool to hear and learn the C Locrian Mode.
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