Guitar Scale Logic
D# Locrian Guitar Scale in Whole Step Down
Locrian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Whole Step Down.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D|------------------------------------------1--| A|------------------------------------2--4-----| F|---------------------------1--3--4-----------| C|------------------1--3--4--------------------| G|---------1--2--4-----------------------------| D|1--2--4--------------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 15 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 Whole 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 D# 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. Whole Step Down lowers every string by two semitones. The string relationships stay the same as Standard tuning.
Use the b5 carefully and resolve often or the line will sound completely ungrounded. In Whole Step Down, remember that a familiar shape now sounds a whole tone lower.
- 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