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C Locrian Major Scale

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

C 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 C Locrian scale.

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

C Locrian Major Scale Notes

The C Locrian major scale contains the following notes:

C – D – E – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭

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

C Locrian Major Piano Diagram

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

C Locrian Major Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Locrian major scale is:

W – W – H – H – W – W – W

Applied to C, this gives us:

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

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

Related Scales and Modes

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

C Locrian Major Scale FAQs

How is C Locrian major different from C Locrian?

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

How is C Locrian major different from C natural minor?

C Locrian major has a major 3rd (E) and a diminished 5th (G♭), while C natural minor has a minor 3rd (E♭) and a perfect 5th (G).

How is C Locrian major different from C Phrygian Dominant?

C Locrian major has a major 2nd (D) and a diminished 5th (G♭), while C Phrygian Dominant has a minor 2nd (D♭) and a perfect 5th (G).

What is the parent scale of C Locrian major?

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

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

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

Summary: C Locrian Major Scale