fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON VIOLA

B𝄫 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 B𝄫 Locrian
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 title B𝄫 Locrian
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

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

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
B𝄫G stringADGCoctave nodeoctave nodeoctave nodeoctave nodeB𝄫C𝄫D𝄫E𝄫F𝄫G𝄫A𝄫B𝄫C𝄫E𝄫F𝄫G𝄫A𝄫B𝄫C𝄫D𝄫E𝄫F𝄫A𝄫B𝄫C𝄫D𝄫E𝄫F𝄫G𝄫A𝄫B𝄫D𝄫E𝄫F𝄫G𝄫A𝄫B𝄫C𝄫D𝄫E𝄫
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 B𝄫 Locrian scale?

The B𝄫 Locrian scale uses the notes B𝄫, C𝄫, D𝄫, E𝄫, F𝄫, G𝄫, A𝄫 (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 B𝄫 to get the B𝄫 Locrian scale.

What chords work over B𝄫 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 B𝄫 Locrian on Viola?

On bowed strings, scales train both fingering and bow technique. First-position fingerings cover most scales up to one octave; second-, third-, and fourth-position shifts unlock the higher register. The 1-2-3-4 finger pattern adapts to the half-step + whole-step positions per scale.

When would I use the Locrian scale?

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