Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Locrian Scale in E Flat Standard Tuning

A Locrian Scale in E Flat Standard Tuning shows the same a locrian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb. 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
Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb
Strings
6
Open pitch range
Eb2 to Eb4
24-fret range
Eb2 to Eb6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 6Ebb5
String 2Bbb2
String 1Ebb5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6
String 5Fret 1
String 4Fret 8
String 3Fret 3
String 2Fret 11
String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

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

OpenEbb5
Fret 2Fb6
Fret 4Gb7
Fret 6A1
Fret 7Bbb2
Fret 9Cb3
Fret 11D4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play A Locrian Scale on the low Eb string at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Eb on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest A root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 6, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

A Locrian Scale in E Flat Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
A Locrian Scale in E Flat Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with A Locrian Scale and e flat standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings