C# Locrian Major Guitar Scale
Guitar 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 Guitar, 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 Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 9 on the 6th (low E) to find your C# root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is 4th fret on the A string.
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
Practice the C# Locrian Major scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 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 C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian Major scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the C# Locrian Major scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
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 Guitar 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.
Explore C# Locrian Major Further
- Harmonize the C# Locrian Major scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Locrian Major on Ukulele
- C# Locrian Major on Bass
- C# Locrian Major on Piano
Explore C# Locrian Major in Other Tunings
- C# Locrian Major in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Locrian Major in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C# Locrian Major in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C# Locrian Major in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C# Locrian Major in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C# Locrian Major in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C# Locrian Major in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C# Locrian Major in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C# Locrian Major in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C# Locrian Major in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C# Locrian Major in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C# Locrian Major in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C# Locrian Major in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Locrian Major in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)