Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Locrian Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning

D Locrian Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning shows the same d locrian scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned A E A D G B E. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale notes
D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C
Formula
1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Semitones
0 1 3 5 6 8 10
Parent scale
Eb major
Tuning
A E A D G B E
Strings
7
Open pitch range
A1 to E4
24-fret range
A1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 7 open strings belong to D Locrian Scale: string 4 D (1) and string 3 G (4). D roots occur on open string 4.

String 4D1
String 3G4

First root on each string

String 7Fret 5
String 6Fret 10
String 5Fret 5
String 4Open
String 3Fret 7
String 2Fret 3
String 1Fret 10

Low-string pattern

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

Fret 1Bbb6
Fret 3Cb7
Fret 5D1
Fret 6Ebb2
Fret 8Fb3
Fret 10G4
Fret 11Abb5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play D Locrian Scale on the low A string at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets D on open string 4 ring, then connect it to the nearest D root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the D root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 5, 10, 5, 0, 7, 3, and 10, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

D Locrian Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning fretboard diagram
D Locrian Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing A E A D G B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with D Locrian Scale and 7-string drop a tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings