E Locrian #2 Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
E Locrian #2 in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The E Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Guitar, 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: 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
- E Locrian #2 in Standard Tuning
- E Locrian #2 in Drop D
- E Locrian #2 in DADGAD
- E Locrian #2 in Open G
- E Locrian #2 in Baritone (B Standard)
- E Locrian #2 in 7-string
- E Locrian #2 in 8-string
- E Locrian #2 in Drop C
- E Locrian #2 in Drop B
- E Locrian #2 in Half Step Down
- E Locrian #2 in Open E
- E Locrian #2 in Open A
- E Locrian #2 in Double Drop D
- E Locrian #2 in Open C