Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

D# Locrian Guitar Scale in Open C

Locrian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open C.

Formula 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Tuning E C G C G C
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
E E
F♯
G♯
A
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯
G♯
A
B
C♯
C
C♯
D♯
E
F♯
G♯
A
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯
G♯
A
G
G♯
A
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯
G♯
A
B
C♯
D♯
E
C
C♯
D♯
E
F♯
G♯
A
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯
G♯
A
G
G♯
A
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯
G♯
A
B
C♯
D♯
E
C
C♯
D♯
E
F♯
G♯
A
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯
G♯
A
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

E|---------------------------------------|
C|---------------------------------1--3--|
G|------------------------1--2--4--------|
C|---------------1--3--4-----------------|
G|------1--2--4--------------------------|
C|3--4-----------------------------------|

1-5 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 notes

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

The D# Locrian scale uses D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯ 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 D# 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. 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.

Practice Tip

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.

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

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

These chords contain notes from the selected scale.

  • D♯m7b5minor 7 flat 5
  • Esus4sus4
  • E5power
  • F♯mminor
  • F♯sus4sus4
  • F♯5power
  • F♯m7minor 7
  • G♯mminor
  • G♯sus4sus4
  • G♯5power