F# Locrian #2 Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
F# Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Piano, it contains the notes F#, G#, A, B, C, D, E. 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: F#, G#, A, B, C, D, E
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 F# 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 F# Locrian #2 on Piano
On piano, the F# Locrian #2 scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on F# and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The F# Locrian #2 scale contains 2 sharps (F#, G#). Its relative major is A major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the F# Locrian #2 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 F# to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in post-bop contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the F# Locrian #2 scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. 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 F# Melodic minor scale
The F# Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (F#, G#, A, B, C, D, E). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.