Guitar scale

C Locrian Guitar Scale

C Locrian is a seven-note scale built from C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, and Bb. It is the 7th relative mode of Db major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.

Notes: C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 6 8 10
Parent scale: Db major

How to read this scale

The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representC root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the C root notes and connect the remaining locrian tones across standard tuning.

Sound and defining tones

C Locrian is defined by b2 (Db) and b5 (Gb). The flat fifth prevents a stable minor tonic triad, and the flat second adds another strong tension directly above the root.

Characteristic tones: b2Dbb5Gb

Fretboard diagram

Open this scale in the fretboard tool

Start with C Locrian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Common chords and contexts

Use C Locrian over Cm7b5 harmony, most often as the ii chord in a minor ii-V-i progression. Treat the chord tones as anchors because the root itself can sound unstable.

Use C Locrian over Cm7b5 or half-diminished chords.
Its flat 2 and flat 5 make it tense, unstable, and most common in jazz or minor ii-V contexts.

Practice this scale on guitar

Play C Locrian from one C root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
Outline the root, flat third, b2 (Db) and b5 (Gb), and flat seventh as a half-diminished arpeggio before adding the remaining notes.
Loop Cm7b5 as a static chord and practice resolving the flat fifth by half step into a stable tone of the following dominant chord.