F Locrian #2 Timple Canario Scale
Timple Canario scale — fretboard diagram
F Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Timple Canario, it contains the notes F, G, Ab, Bb, B, Db, Eb. 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: F, G, Ab, Bb, B, Db, Eb
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 F Locrian #2 on Timple Canario
Begin by locating F on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Locrian #2 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The F Locrian #2 scale contains 4 flats (Ab, Bb, Db, Eb). Its relative major is Ab major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the F 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 F to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly.
Timple Canario Tips
Practice the F Locrian #2 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The F Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (F, G, Ab, Bb, B, Db, Eb). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Timple Canario with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F Locrian #2
The F 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.