C# Locrian Major Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
C# Locrian Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Locrian Major scale is a 20th-century hybrid that combines the stability of a major third with the dissonance of a Locrian base. On Bass, it contains the notes C#, D#, F, F#, G, A, B. It was used by experimental composers to create a sound that is both familiar and alien. Commonly used in Experimental, Contemporary Classical, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Gyorgy Ligeti. Use in experimental composition over polytonal or atonal passages. A tool for creating cognitive dissonance.
Notes: C#, D#, F, F#, G, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-W-H-H-W-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: arabian
How to Play C# Locrian Major on Bass
On bass, locate C# on the A string at fret 4. 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 C# Locrian Major scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is F major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the C# Locrian Major scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C#-F, D#-F#) 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 C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian Major scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
Practice the C# Locrian Major 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 C# Locrian Major scale contains 7 notes (C#, D#, F, F#, G, A, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C# Locrian Major
The C# Locrian Major 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.