C# Locrian #2 Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
C# Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Piano, it contains the notes C#, D#, E, F#, G, A, B. 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: C#, D#, E, F#, G, A, B
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
Musical Character
The natural 2nd degree (vs b2 in standard Locrian) makes this vastly more usable — smoother voice leading while retaining the essential b5 for half-diminished harmony.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Post-Bop, Contemporary
Notable players: John Coltrane, Woody Shaw, Steve Coleman
How to Use the C# Locrian #2 Scale
Use over m7b5 chords. The preferred jazz choice over half-diminished chords (vs standard Locrian which sounds too harsh).
Origin & Background
The sixth mode of the melodic minor scale. Jazz musicians prefer it over standard Locrian for its smoother sound.
How to Play C# Locrian #2 on Piano
On piano, the C# Locrian #2 scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on C# and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The C# Locrian #2 scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is E major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the C# Locrian #2 scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C#-E, D#-F#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in jazz contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the C# Locrian #2 scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously. Aim for a dark quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Locrian #2 is the 6th mode of the Melodic Minor scale. View C# Melodic minor scale
The C# Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (C#, D#, E, F#, G, A, B). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.