Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Locrian Scale in Open A Tuning

A Locrian Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same a locrian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E A E A C# E. 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: E A E A C# E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to A Locrian Scale: string 5 A (1) and string 3 A (1). A roots occur on open strings 5 and 3.

String 5A1

String 3A1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 5

String 5Open

String 4Fret 5

String 3Open

String 2Fret 8

String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the A root at fret 5. On the highest E string, the first A is at fret 5.

Fret 1Fb6

Fret 3Gb7

Fret 5A1

Fret 6Bbb2

Fret 8Cb3

Fret 10D4

Fret 11Ebb5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A Locrian Scale on the low E string at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets A on open string 5 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 5, 0, 5, 0, 8, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.