E Locrian #2 Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
E Locrian #2 in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The E Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Cavaquinho, it contains the notes E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, D. 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: E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, D
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