Guitar Scale Logic
C Locrian Guitar Scale in Open D
Locrian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D |---------------------------1--3--4--| A |---------------------3--4-----------| F#|---------------2--4-----------------| D |------1--3--4-----------------------| A |3--4--------------------------------| D |------------------------------------|
1-5 frets • five-fret position fragment • 12 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The C Locrian scale uses C, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭ and the formula 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7. In Open D tuning, the open strings run D A F# D A D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each C 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 D is D-A-D-F#-A-D from low to high. Its open strings form a D major chord, which you can use alongside fretted melody notes.
Use the b5 carefully and resolve often or the line will sound completely ungrounded. In Open D, find the D roots first, then follow the notes across the strings.
- C
- D♭
- E♭
- F
- G♭
- A♭
- B♭
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Cm7b5minor 7 flat 5
- D♭sus4sus4
- D♭5power
- E♭mminor
- E♭sus4sus4
- E♭5power
- E♭m7minor 7
- Fmminor
- Fsus4sus4
- F5power