Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Locrian Scale in C Standard Tuning

A Locrian Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same a locrian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C F Bb Eb G C. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 6 8 10
Parent scale: Bb major
Tuning: C F Bb Eb G C
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to C4
24-fret range: C2 to C6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to A Locrian Scale: string 6 C (b3), string 5 F (b6), string 4 Bb (b2), string 3 Eb (b5), string 2 G (b7), and string 1 C (b3). None of those open-string tones is the A root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Cb3

String 5Fb6

String 4Bbb2

String 3Ebb5

String 2Gb7

String 1Cb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 6

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10, with the A root at fret 9. On the highest C string, the first A is at fret 9.

OpenCb3

Fret 2D4

Fret 3Ebb5

Fret 5Fb6

Fret 7Gb7

Fret 9A1

Fret 10Bbb2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A Locrian Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest A root and two other scale tones.
Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.