Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Locrian Scale in Open E Tuning

Bb Locrian Scale in Open E Tuning shows the same bb locrian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E B E G# B E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 6 8 10
Parent scale: B major
Tuning: E B E G# B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to Bb Locrian Scale: string 6 Fb (b5), string 5 Cb (b2), string 4 Fb (b5), string 3 Ab (b7), string 2 Cb (b2), and string 1 Fb (b5). None of those open-string tones is the Bb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Fbb5

String 5Cbb2

String 4Fbb5

String 3Abb7

String 2Cbb2

String 1Fbb5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 11

String 4Fret 6

String 3Fret 2

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

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

OpenFbb5

Fret 2Gbb6

Fret 4Abb7

Fret 6Bb1

Fret 7Cbb2

Fret 9Dbb3

Fret 11Eb4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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