A Locrian #2 Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
A Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Bass, it contains the notes A, B, C, D, Eb, F, G. It is the preferred choice for jazz musicians soloing over half-diminished chords, as its natural second degree allows for much smoother and more melodic voice leading. Commonly used in Jazz, Post-Bop, Contemporary. Notable players include John Coltrane, Woody Shaw, Steve Coleman. Use over m7b5 chords. The preferred jazz choice over half-diminished chords (vs standard Locrian which sounds too harsh).
Notes: A, B, C, D, Eb, F, G
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-H-W-H-W-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: half-diminished, aeolian b5
How to Play A Locrian #2 on Bass
On bass, locate A on the E string at fret 5. Use a one-finger-per-fret approach starting from the root and span two to three strings. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and practice shifting between positions cleanly.
The A Locrian #2 scale contains 1 flat (Eb). Its relative major is C major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the A Locrian #2 scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the A Locrian #2 scale to build walking bass lines by targeting chord tones on strong beats and using scale tones as approach notes. This is the foundation of functional bass playing.
The A Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (A, B, C, D, Eb, F, G). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Locrian #2
The A Locrian #2 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.