D Locrian 6 Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
D Locrian 6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Locrian 6 scale is a rare and dissonant mode that adds a major sixth sparkle to a dark Locrian base. On Bass, its notes are D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C. It provides a unique modal variation for experimental compositions and is used to create a sense of distorted major tonality. Commonly used in Experimental, Jazz, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Steve Coleman. Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in experimental contexts. A modal exploration tool rather than a standard jazz choice.
Notes: D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C
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
Also known as: locrian natural 6, locrian sharp 6
How to Play D Locrian 6 on Bass
On bass, locate D on the A 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 D Locrian 6 scale contains 2 flats (Eb, Ab). Its relative major is F major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the D Locrian 6 scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (D-F, Eb-G) 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 D to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian 6 scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the D Locrian 6 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 D Locrian 6 scale contains 7 notes (D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Locrian 6
The D Locrian 6 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.