E Locrian #2 Timple Canario Scale
Timple Canario scale — fretboard diagram
E Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Timple Canario, 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
Also known as: half-diminished, aeolian b5
How to Play E Locrian #2 on Timple Canario
Begin by locating E on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Locrian #2 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The E Locrian #2 scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative major is G major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the E Locrian #2 scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on E to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly.
Timple Canario Tips
Practice the E Locrian #2 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The E Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Timple Canario with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Locrian #2
The E Locrian #2 scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.