fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON TROMBONE (TENOR CLEF)

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

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

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
C1234567partial 3
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — C sounds partial 3
partial 1 — F1 (+0¢)1partial 2 — F2 (+0¢)2partial 3 — C3 (+2¢)3partial 4 — F3 (+0¢)4partial 5 — A3 (-14¢)5partial 6 — C4 (+2¢)6partial 7 — D♯4 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — F4 (+0¢)8partial 9 — G4 (+4¢)9partial 10 — A4 (-14¢)10partial 11 — B4 (-49¢)11-49¢partial 12 — C5 (+2¢)12
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
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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 Trombone (tenor clef)?

On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).

When would I use the Locrian scale?

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