C Locrian #2 Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
C Locrian #2 in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The C Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Guitar, 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: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
Also known as: half-diminished, aeolian b5
About Open D Tuning
Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) produces a full D major chord when strummed open, creating a warm, resonant sound that has been a staple of slide guitar, folk, and acoustic music for over a century. The three D strings create a deep, droning foundation that makes even simple chord shapes sound lush and full.
Open D is closely related to Open E (same intervals, just a whole step lower) but puts less tension on the guitar neck, making it safer for acoustic instruments. It was a favorite of Joni Mitchell, who used it extensively for her unique chord voicings, and Bob Dylan, who popularized it in folk-rock. For slide players, Open D provides the same intuitive major-chord-at-any-fret approach as Open G but with a warmer, deeper character.
Notable artists: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Bruce Cockburn, Elmore James
Best for: Slide guitar, folk fingerpicking, singer-songwriter arrangements, and acoustic compositions with rich open-string resonance
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- C Locrian #2 in Standard Tuning
- C Locrian #2 in Drop D
- C Locrian #2 in DADGAD
- C Locrian #2 in Open G
- C Locrian #2 in Baritone (B Standard)
- C Locrian #2 in 7-string
- C Locrian #2 in 8-string
- C Locrian #2 in Drop C
- C Locrian #2 in Drop B
- C Locrian #2 in Half Step Down
- C Locrian #2 in Open E
- C Locrian #2 in Open A
- C Locrian #2 in Double Drop D
- C Locrian #2 in Open C