B Locrian #2 Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
B Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Ukulele, it contains the notes B, C#, D, E, F, G, A. 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: B, C#, D, E, F, G, A
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 B Locrian #2 on Ukulele
On ukulele, find B on the fret 2 area, and 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 B Locrian #2 scale contains 1 sharp (C#). Its relative major is D major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the B Locrian #2 scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (B-D, C#-E) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly.
Ukulele Tips
The compact fretboard of the ukulele makes the B Locrian #2 scale easy to visualize in a single position. Use this to your advantage by memorizing the scale shape relative to chord shapes you already know.
The B Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (B, C#, D, E, F, G, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Locrian #2
The B 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 B Locrian #2 Further
- Harmonize the B Locrian #2 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- B Locrian #2 on Guitar
- B Locrian #2 on Bass
- B Locrian #2 on Piano