A Locrian #2 Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
A Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Ukulele, it contains the notes A, B, C, D, Eb, F, G. 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: A, B, C, D, Eb, F, G
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 A Locrian #2 on Ukulele
On ukulele, find A on the open strings or work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 7 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The A Locrian #2 scale contains 1 flat (Eb). Its relative major is C major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the A Locrian #2 scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the A Locrian #2 scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound.
The A Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (A, B, C, D, Eb, F, G). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Locrian #2
The A 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.
Explore A Locrian #2 Further
- Harmonize the A Locrian #2 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- A Locrian #2 on Guitar
- A Locrian #2 on Bass
- A Locrian #2 on Piano