Guitar Scale Logic
A Locrian Guitar Scale in Open C
Locrian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open C.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
E|---------------------------------1--3--| C|------------------------0--2--3--------| G|---------------0--2--3-----------------| C|------0--2--3--------------------------| G|2--3-----------------------------------| C|---------------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The A Locrian scale uses A, B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G and the formula 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7. In Open C tuning, the open strings run E C G C G C from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each A root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.
Locrian sounds unstable, angular and deliberately tense. Try it for outside-sounding riffs, dark soundtrack parts and diminished movement. Open C is C-G-C-G-C-E from low to high. Its open strings form a C major chord, with C on three strings.
Use the b5 carefully and resolve often or the line will sound completely ungrounded. In Open C, use the three open C strings to check the roots when practising in C.
- A
- B♭
- C
- D
- E♭
- F
- G
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Am7b5minor 7 flat 5
- B♭sus4sus4
- B♭5power
- Cmminor
- Csus4sus4
- C5power
- Cm7minor 7
- Dmminor
- Dsus4sus4
- D5power