Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Locrian Scale in Open E Tuning

D Locrian Scale in Open E Tuning shows the same d locrian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E B E G# B 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
E B E G# B E
Strings
6
Open pitch range
E2 to E4
24-fret range
E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to D Locrian Scale: string 3 Ab (b5). None of those open-string tones is the D root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 3Abb5

First root on each string

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

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the D root at fret 10. On the highest E string, the first D is at fret 10.

Fret 1Fb3
Fret 3G4
Fret 4Abb5
Fret 6Bbb6
Fret 8Cb7
Fret 10D1
Fret 11Ebb2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

D Locrian Scale in Open E Tuning fretboard diagram
D Locrian Scale in Open E Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing E B E G# B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with D Locrian Scale and open e tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings