Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

B Locrian Guitar Scale in Half Step Down

Locrian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Half Step Down.

Formula 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Tuning D# A# F# C# G# D#
Scale Notes 7 notes

Interactive fretboard

Scale Map

Root notes are highlighted in amber. Use the buttons to isolate each five-fret position.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
D#
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
A#
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
F#
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
C#
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
G#
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
D#
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

D#|------------------------------1--2--4--|
A#|---------------------1--2--4-----------|
F#|---------------1--3--------------------|
C#|------1--3--4--------------------------|
G#|3--4-----------------------------------|
D#|---------------------------------------|

0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 notes

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

The B Locrian scale uses B, C, D, E, F, G, A and the formula 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7. In Half Step Down tuning, the open strings run D# A# F# C# G# D# from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each B root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.

Overview

Locrian sounds unstable, angular and deliberately tense. Try it for outside-sounding riffs, dark soundtrack parts and diminished movement. Half Step Down lowers every string by one semitone. Chord shapes keep their familiar string relationships, but the sounding notes change.

Practice Tip

Use the b5 carefully and resolve often or the line will sound completely ungrounded. In Half Step Down, remember that a familiar shape now sounds one semitone lower.

  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • A

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

These chords contain notes from the selected scale.

  • Bm7b5minor 7 flat 5
  • Csus4sus4
  • C5power
  • Dmminor
  • Dsus4sus4
  • D5power
  • Dm7minor 7
  • Emminor
  • Esus4sus4
  • E5power