Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Locrian Scale in Drop B Tuning

A Locrian Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same a locrian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned B F# B E 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: B F# B E G# C#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: B1 to C#4
24-fret range: B1 to C#6

Open strings and root positions

None of the 6 open strings belongs to A Locrian Scale. Every scale tone must therefore be fretted, beginning with the first available tone on the low B string.

First root on each string

String 6Fret 10

String 5Fret 3

String 4Fret 10

String 3Fret 5

String 2Fret 1

String 1Fret 8

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the A root at fret 10. On the highest C# string, the first A is at fret 8.

Fret 1Cb3

Fret 3D4

Fret 4Ebb5

Fret 6Fb6

Fret 8Gb7

Fret 10A1

Fret 11Bbb2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A Locrian Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Play the scale without using an open string, then stop on the nearest A root each time the line changes strings.
Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 10, 3, 10, 5, 1, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.