B Locrian #2 Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
B Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Bass, it contains the notes B, C#, D, E, F, G, A. 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: B, C#, D, E, F, G, A
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 B Locrian #2 on Bass
On bass, locate B on the A string at fret 2. 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 B Locrian #2 scale contains 1 sharp (C#). Its relative major is D major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the B Locrian #2 scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (B-D, C#-E) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
Practice the B Locrian #2 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.
The B Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (B, C#, D, E, F, G, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Locrian #2
The B 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.