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 |---------------------------2--4--5--| A |---------------------4--5-----------| F#|---------------3--5-----------------| D |------2--4--5-----------------------| A |4--5--------------------------------| D |------------------------------------|
2-6 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.
- C♯m7b5minor 7 flat 5
- Dsus4sus4
- D5power
- Emminor
- Esus4sus4
- E5power
- Em7minor 7
- F♯mminor
- F♯sus4sus4
- F♯5power