Tuning-specific scale diagram

C# Locrian Scale in D Standard Tuning

C# Locrian Scale in D Standard Tuning shows the same c# locrian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D G C F A D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B
Formula
1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Semitones
0 1 3 5 6 8 10
Parent scale
D major
Tuning
D G C F A D
Strings
6
Open pitch range
D2 to D4
24-fret range
D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

4 of the 6 open strings belong to C# Locrian Scale: string 6 D (b2), string 5 G (b5), string 2 A (b6), and string 1 D (b2). None of those open-string tones is the C# root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Db2
String 5Gb5
String 2Ab6
String 1Db2

First root on each string

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

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D 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 11.

OpenDb2
Fret 2Eb3
Fret 4F#4
Fret 5Gb5
Fret 7Ab6
Fret 9Bb7
Fret 11C#1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play C# Locrian Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets D 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, 6, 1, 8, 4, and 11, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

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

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

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

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings