Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Locrian Scale in Open C Tuning

D Locrian Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same d locrian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C G C E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

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: C G C G C E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to E4
24-fret range: C2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to D Locrian Scale: string 6 C (b7), string 5 G (4), string 4 C (b7), string 3 G (4), and string 2 C (b7). None of those open-string tones is the D root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Cb7

String 5G4

String 4Cb7

String 3G4

String 2Cb7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 2

String 5Fret 7

String 4Fret 2

String 3Fret 7

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 10

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the D root at fret 2. On the highest E string, the first D is at fret 10.

OpenCb7

Fret 2D1

Fret 3Ebb2

Fret 5Fb3

Fret 7G4

Fret 8Abb5

Fret 10Bbb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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