Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Locrian Scale in Drop B Tuning

C Locrian Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same c 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: C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 6 8 10
Parent scale: Db 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

3 of the 6 open strings belong to C Locrian Scale: string 5 Gb (b5), string 2 Ab (b6), and string 1 Db (b2). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5Gbb5

String 2Abb6

String 1Dbb2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 1

String 5Fret 6

String 4Fret 1

String 3Fret 8

String 2Fret 4

String 1Fret 11

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the C root at fret 1. On the highest C# string, the first C is at fret 11.

Fret 1C1

Fret 2Dbb2

Fret 4Ebb3

Fret 6F4

Fret 7Gbb5

Fret 9Abb6

Fret 11Bbb7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Locrian Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Gb on open string 5 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
Connect the C root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 1, 6, 1, 8, 4, and 11, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.