Tuning-specific scale diagram

G Locrian Scale in Drop B Tuning

G Locrian Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same g locrian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned B F# B E G# C#. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 6 8 10
Parent scale: Ab major
Tuning: B F# B E G# C#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: B1 to C#4
24-fret range: B1 to C#6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to G Locrian Scale: string 2 Ab (b2) and string 1 Db (b5). None of those open-string tones is the G root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 2Abb2

String 1Dbb5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 8

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the G root at fret 8. On the highest C# string, the first G is at fret 6.

Fret 1C4

Fret 2Dbb5

Fret 4Ebb6

Fret 6Fb7

Fret 8G1

Fret 9Abb2

Fret 11Bbb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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