C Locrian #2 Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
C Locrian #2 in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The C Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Cavaquinho, it contains the notes C, D, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb. 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, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb
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
Tuning: Standard (D-B-G-D)
Also known as: half-diminished, aeolian b5