E Locrian 6 Guitar Scale — Open D

Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram

E Locrian 6 in Open D — Notes and Intervals

The E Locrian 6 scale is a rare and dissonant mode that adds a major sixth sparkle to a dark Locrian base. On Guitar, its notes are E, F, G, A, Bb, C#, D. It provides a unique modal variation for experimental compositions and is used to create a sense of distorted major tonality. Commonly used in Experimental, Jazz, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Steve Coleman. Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in experimental contexts. A modal exploration tool rather than a standard jazz choice.

Notes: E, F, G, A, Bb, C#, D

Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6M, 7m

Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7

Formula: H-W-W-H-WH-H-W

Number of notes: 7

Tuning: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)

Also known as: locrian natural 6, locrian sharp 6

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.

FolkBluesSlide GuitarAcousticSinger-SongwriterCountry

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

← All Guitar scales in Open D tuning