fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON CLARINET IN A

C Locrian

Diminished tonic. Rare in practice; theoretical more than functional.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 3 title C Locrian
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 4 5 title C Locrian
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Playback sounds a minor 3rd below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
CregregG♯G♯AAC♯C♯EEF♯F♯E♭E♭BBFFA♭A♭
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
Compare with
Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the C Locrian scale?

The C Locrian scale uses the notes C, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭ (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Locrian scale formula?

The Locrian scale follows the interval pattern H W W H W W W, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on C to get the C Locrian scale.

What chords work over C Locrian?

Locrian works over m7♭5 (half-diminished) chords — the ii of a minor ii–V–i. Locrian ♮6 is often a better fit.

How do I finger C Locrian on Clarinet in A?

On woodwinds, scales train fingering coordination + breath support + register changes. Pay particular attention to the break (the register-key transition); slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation issues across the break.

When would I use the Locrian scale?

Diminished tonic. Rare in practice; theoretical more than functional.