A# Locrian #2 Guitar Scale — Open C
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
A# Locrian #2 in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The A# Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Guitar, it contains the notes A#, C, C#, D#, E, F#, G#. 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: A#, C, C#, D#, E, F#, G#
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: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Also known as: half-diminished, aeolian b5
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A# Locrian #2 in Standard Tuning
- A# Locrian #2 in Drop D
- A# Locrian #2 in DADGAD
- A# Locrian #2 in Open G
- A# Locrian #2 in Baritone (B Standard)
- A# Locrian #2 in 7-string
- A# Locrian #2 in 8-string
- A# Locrian #2 in Drop C
- A# Locrian #2 in Drop B
- A# Locrian #2 in Open D
- A# Locrian #2 in Half Step Down
- A# Locrian #2 in Open E
- A# Locrian #2 in Open A
- A# Locrian #2 in Double Drop D