Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Locrian Scale in Drop C# Tuning

C Locrian Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same c locrian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C# G# C# F# A# D#. 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
C# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings
6
Open pitch range
C#2 to D#4
24-fret range
C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to C Locrian Scale: string 6 Db (b2), string 5 Ab (b6), string 4 Db (b2), string 3 Gb (b5), string 2 Bb (b7), and string 1 Eb (b3). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Dbb2
String 5Abb6
String 4Dbb2
String 3Gbb5
String 2Bbb7
String 1Ebb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 11
String 5Fret 4
String 4Fret 11
String 3Fret 6
String 2Fret 2
String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, with the C root at fret 11. On the highest D# string, the first C is at fret 9.

OpenDbb2
Fret 2Ebb3
Fret 4F4
Fret 5Gbb5
Fret 7Abb6
Fret 9Bbb7
Fret 11C1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play C Locrian Scale on the low C# string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Db on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the C root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 11, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

C Locrian Scale in Drop C# Tuning fretboard diagram
C Locrian Scale in Drop C# Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C# G# C# F# A# D#.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with C Locrian Scale and drop c# tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings