A# Locrian Minor Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
A# Locrian Minor Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A# Locrian Minor scale infuses the bleak Locrian framework with the dramatic augmented second of harmonic minor, producing a leading tone that drives powerful cadential resolution. On Bass, the notes are A#, C, C#, D#, E, F#, A. It bridges the gap between classical minor-key drama and Locrian instability, serving neo-classical metal and dark film scoring with equal intensity. Commonly used in Jazz, Neo-Classical, Metal, Film Scores. Notable players include Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen. Use over dim7 and m7b5 chords where a stronger cadential pull is needed. The natural 7th acts as a leading tone, allowing V-i type resolutions from within a Locrian framework.
Notes: A#, C, C#, D#, E, F#, A
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: W-H-W-H-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
A Locrian variant with harmonic minor influence: the augmented 2nd between the b6 and natural 7 adds a classical, dramatic flair to the otherwise bleak Locrian landscape. The leading tone creates stronger resolution than standard Locrian.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Neo-Classical, Metal, Film Scores
Notable players: Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen
How to Use the A# Locrian Minor Scale
Use over dim7 and m7b5 chords where a stronger cadential pull is needed. The natural 7th acts as a leading tone, allowing V-i type resolutions from within a Locrian framework.
Origin & Background
A synthetic mode that grafts the harmonic minor's leading tone onto the Locrian framework. The result preserves the diminished 5th instability of Locrian while adding the dramatic augmented 2nd interval that defines the harmonic minor family.
How to Play A# Locrian Minor on Bass
On bass, locate A# on the A string at fret 1. 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 Minor scale contains 4 sharps (A#, C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is C# major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Practice the A# Locrian Minor scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 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 Minor scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in jazz contexts.
Bass Tips
Practice the A# Locrian Minor scale on bass using only your index and ring fingers for a two-finger-per-string approach, then switch to one-finger-per-fret. Both techniques are essential for different musical situations. Aim for a dark quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The A# Locrian Minor scale contains 7 notes (A#, C, C#, D#, E, F#, A). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Bass 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 A# Locrian Minor
The A# Locrian Minor 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.