Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Locrian Scale in Drop C# Tuning

E Locrian Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same e 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: E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 6 8 10
Parent scale: F 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

1 of the 6 open strings belong to E Locrian Scale: string 2 Bb (b5). None of those open-string tones is the E root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 2Bbb5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 3

String 5Fret 8

String 4Fret 3

String 3Fret 10

String 2Fret 6

String 1Fret 1

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the E root at fret 3. On the highest D# string, the first E is at fret 1.

Fret 1Db7

Fret 3E1

Fret 4Fb2

Fret 6Gb3

Fret 8A4

Fret 9Bbb5

Fret 11Cb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Locrian Scale on the low C# string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Bb on open string 2 ring, then connect it to the nearest E root and two other scale tones.
Connect the E root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 3, 8, 3, 10, 6, and 1, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.