B Locrian Major Scale

The B Locrian major scale, sometimes referred to as the B major Locrian scale or B Arabian scale, is the 5th mode of the E Neapolitan major scale.

B Locrian major is a rare scale and is not frequently used in contemporary music. It can be derived by raising the 2nd and 3rd of the B Locrian scale.

This page covers everything you need to know about the B Locrian major scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

B Locrian Major Scale Notes

The B Locrian major scale contains the following notes:

These notes come directly from the E Neapolitan major parent scale, starting on its 5th degree (B).

B Locrian Major Piano Diagram

This diagram highlights which keys belong to the B Locrian major scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.

B Locrian Major Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Locrian major scale is:

Applied to B, this gives us:

• B → C♯
• C♯ → D♯
• D♯ → E
• E → F
• F → G
• G → A
• A → B

Thus, B Locrian major is built with the following scale degrees:

• Root (B)
• Major 2nd (C♯)
• Major 3rd (D♯)
• Perfect 4th (E)
• Diminished 5th (F)
• Minor 6th (G)
• Minor 7th (A)

This structure gives the Locrian major scale a distinctive sound: it includes a major 3rd (D♯) alongside a diminished 5th (F), creating a bright but unstable quality that is uncommon in traditional major/minor harmony.

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy playing in B Locrian major, you may also like:

• B Locrian (B Locrian major with a flat 2nd and 3rd)
• B natural minor (B Locrian major with a flat 3rd and raised 5th)
• B Phrygian Dominant (B Locrian major with a flat 2nd and raised 5th)
• E Neapolitan major (parent scale)

B Locrian Major Scale FAQs

How is B Locrian major different from B Locrian?

B Locrian major has a major 2nd (C♯) and major 3rd (D♯), while B Locrian has a minor 2nd (C) and minor 3rd (D).

How is B Locrian major different from B natural minor?

B Locrian major has a major 3rd (D♯) and a diminished 5th (F), while B natural minor has a minor 3rd (D) and a perfect 5th (F♯).

How is B Locrian major different from B Phrygian Dominant?

B Locrian major has a major 2nd (C♯) and a diminished 5th (F), while B Phrygian Dominant has a minor 2nd (C) and a perfect 5th (F♯).

What is the parent scale of B Locrian major?

E Neapolitan major. B Locrian major uses the same notes as E Neapolitan major, but starts on its 5th degree (B).

Is B Locrian major the same as the B Arabian scale?

B Locrian major is sometimes referred to as the B Arabian scale in Western theory, but this name is informal.

Summary: B Locrian Major Scale

• Notes: B, C♯, D♯, E, F, G, A
• Mode: 5th mode of E Neapolitan major
• Formula: W, W, H, H, W, W, W