D# Locrian 6 Guitar Scale
Guitar 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 Guitar, its notes are D#, E, F#, G#, A, C, 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#, E, F#, G#, A, C, 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 Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 11 on the 6th (low E) to find your D# 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 6th fret on the A string.
The D# Locrian 6 scale contains 4 sharps (D#, F#, G#, C#). Its relative major is F# major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the D# Locrian 6 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 D# to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian 6 scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the D# Locrian 6 scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
The D# Locrian 6 scale contains 7 notes (D#, E, F#, G#, A, C, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar 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.
Explore D# Locrian 6 Further
- Harmonize the D# Locrian 6 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- D# Locrian 6 on Ukulele
- D# Locrian 6 on Bass
- D# Locrian 6 on Piano
Explore D# Locrian 6 in Other Tunings
- D# Locrian 6 in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- D# Locrian 6 in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- D# Locrian 6 in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- D# Locrian 6 in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- D# Locrian 6 in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- D# Locrian 6 in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- D# Locrian 6 in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- D# Locrian 6 in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- D# Locrian 6 in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- D# Locrian 6 in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- D# Locrian 6 in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- D# Locrian 6 in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- D# Locrian 6 in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- D# Locrian 6 in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)