B Oriental (locrian) Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Oriental (locrian) Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Oriental (locrian) scale introduces a raised sixth into the Locrian mode, creating an augmented second in the upper half that injects Middle Eastern color into the darkest of Western modes. On Mandolin, its notes are B, C, D, E, F, G#, A. It produces a brief flash of exotic brightness within an otherwise bleak tonal landscape, ideal for dramatic metal riffs and tension-laden film scoring. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Experimental. Notable players include Buckethead, Marty Friedman. Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in exotic contexts. The raised 6th provides a brief moment of brightness within the otherwise bleak Locrian landscape. Best over pedal tones and drones.
Notes: B, C, D, E, F, G#, A
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
Musical Character
A Locrian mode with a raised 6th degree. The augmented 2nd between the 5th and raised 6th in the upper half produces a Middle Eastern character while the Locrian foundation (b2, b3, b5) maintains extreme darkness.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Experimental
Notable players: Buckethead, Marty Friedman
How to Use the B Oriental (locrian) Scale
Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in exotic contexts. The raised 6th provides a brief moment of brightness within the otherwise bleak Locrian landscape. Best over pedal tones and drones.
Origin & Background
A Locrian variant that introduces a raised 6th degree, creating the augmented 2nd interval in the upper tetrachord that is the hallmark of Middle Eastern modal systems. The combination of Locrian instability with Eastern exoticism produces a scale suited to dramatic, narrative-driven music.
How to Play B Oriental (locrian) on Mandolin
Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Oriental (locrian) scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The B Oriental (locrian) scale contains 1 sharp (G#). Its relative major is D major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the B Oriental (locrian) 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 B to let the characteristic intervals of the Oriental (locrian) scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the B Oriental (locrian) scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a mysterious quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The B Oriental (locrian) scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D, E, F, G#, 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 B Oriental (locrian)
The B Oriental (locrian) 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 B Oriental (locrian) Further
- Harmonize the B Oriental (locrian) scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- B Oriental (locrian) on Guitar
- B Oriental (locrian) on Ukulele
- B Oriental (locrian) on Bass
- B Oriental (locrian) on Piano