A# Locrian Minor Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
A# Locrian Minor Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A# Locrian Minor scale infuses the bleak Locrian framework with the dramatic augmented second of harmonic minor, producing a leading tone that drives powerful cadential resolution. On Mandolin, the notes are A#, C, C#, D#, E, F#, A. It bridges the gap between classical minor-key drama and Locrian instability, serving neo-classical metal and dark film scoring with equal intensity. Commonly used in Jazz, Neo-Classical, Metal, Film Scores. Notable players include Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen. Use over dim7 and m7b5 chords where a stronger cadential pull is needed. The natural 7th acts as a leading tone, allowing V-i type resolutions from within a Locrian framework.
Notes: A#, C, C#, D#, E, F#, A
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: W-H-W-H-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
A Locrian variant with harmonic minor influence: the augmented 2nd between the b6 and natural 7 adds a classical, dramatic flair to the otherwise bleak Locrian landscape. The leading tone creates stronger resolution than standard Locrian.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Neo-Classical, Metal, Film Scores
Notable players: Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen
How to Use the A# Locrian Minor Scale
Use over dim7 and m7b5 chords where a stronger cadential pull is needed. The natural 7th acts as a leading tone, allowing V-i type resolutions from within a Locrian framework.
Origin & Background
A synthetic mode that grafts the harmonic minor's leading tone onto the Locrian framework. The result preserves the diminished 5th instability of Locrian while adding the dramatic augmented 2nd interval that defines the harmonic minor family.
How to Play A# Locrian Minor on Mandolin
Begin by locating A# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Locrian Minor scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A# Locrian Minor scale contains 4 sharps (A#, C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is C# major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the A# Locrian Minor 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 A# to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian Minor scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in neo-classical contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the A# Locrian Minor scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a dark quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The A# Locrian Minor scale contains 7 notes (A#, C, C#, D#, E, F#, A). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A# Locrian Minor
The A# Locrian Minor 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 A# Locrian Minor Further
- Harmonize the A# Locrian Minor scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- A# Locrian Minor on Guitar
- A# Locrian Minor on Ukulele
- A# Locrian Minor on Bass
- A# Locrian Minor on Piano