C# Oriental (locrian) Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
C# Oriental (locrian) Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Oriental (locrian) scale introduces a raised sixth into the Locrian mode, creating an augmented second in the upper half that injects Middle Eastern color into the darkest of Western modes. On Banjo (5-String), its notes are C#, D, E, F#, G, A#, B. It produces a brief flash of exotic brightness within an otherwise bleak tonal landscape, ideal for dramatic metal riffs and tension-laden film scoring. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Experimental. Notable players include Buckethead, Marty Friedman. Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in exotic contexts. The raised 6th provides a brief moment of brightness within the otherwise bleak Locrian landscape. Best over pedal tones and drones.
Notes: C#, D, E, F#, G, A#, B
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-H-WH-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
A Locrian mode with a raised 6th degree. The augmented 2nd between the 5th and raised 6th in the upper half produces a Middle Eastern character while the Locrian foundation (b2, b3, b5) maintains extreme darkness.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Experimental
Notable players: Buckethead, Marty Friedman
How to Use the C# Oriental (locrian) Scale
Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in exotic contexts. The raised 6th provides a brief moment of brightness within the otherwise bleak Locrian landscape. Best over pedal tones and drones.
Origin & Background
A Locrian variant that introduces a raised 6th degree, creating the augmented 2nd interval in the upper tetrachord that is the hallmark of Middle Eastern modal systems. The combination of Locrian instability with Eastern exoticism produces a scale suited to dramatic, narrative-driven music.
How to Play C# Oriental (locrian) on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating C# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Oriental (locrian) scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The C# Oriental (locrian) scale contains 3 sharps (C#, F#, A#). Its relative major is E major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the C# Oriental (locrian) scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Oriental (locrian) scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in experimental contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the C# Oriental (locrian) scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a mysterious quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The C# Oriental (locrian) scale contains 7 notes (C#, D, E, F#, G, A#, B). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C# Oriental (locrian)
The C# Oriental (locrian) scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore C# Oriental (locrian) Further
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Oriental (locrian) on Guitar
- C# Oriental (locrian) on Ukulele
- C# Oriental (locrian) on Bass
- C# Oriental (locrian) on Piano