Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Locrian Scale in DADGAD Tuning

Ab Locrian Scale in DADGAD Tuning shows the same ab locrian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G A D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: Ab, Bbb, Cb, Db, Ebb, Fb, Gb
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 6 8 10
Parent scale: A major
Tuning: D A D G A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to D4
24-fret range: D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Locrian Scale: string 6 Ebb (b5), string 5 Bbb (b2), string 4 Ebb (b5), string 2 Bbb (b2), and string 1 Ebb (b5). None of those open-string tones is the Ab root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Ebbb5

String 5Bbbb2

String 4Ebbb5

String 2Bbbb2

String 1Ebbb5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 11

String 4Fret 6

String 3Fret 1

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 6. On the highest D string, the first Ab is at fret 6.

OpenEbbb5

Fret 2Fbb6

Fret 4Gbb7

Fret 6Ab1

Fret 7Bbbb2

Fret 9Cbb3

Fret 11Db4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Locrian Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Ebb on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest Ab root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Ab root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 6, 11, 6, 1, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.