F# Locrian #2 Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
F# Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Bass, it contains the notes F#, G#, A, B, C, D, E. 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: F#, G#, A, B, C, D, E
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 F# Locrian #2 on Bass
On bass, locate F# on the E 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 F# Locrian #2 scale contains 2 sharps (F#, G#). Its relative major is A major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the F# Locrian #2 scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on F# to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the F# 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 F# Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (F#, G#, A, B, C, D, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F# Locrian #2
The F# 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.