C Locrian Major Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
C Locrian Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Locrian Major scale is a 20th-century hybrid that combines the stability of a major third with the dissonance of a Locrian base. On Ukulele, it contains the notes C, D, E, F, Gb, Ab, Bb. It was used by experimental composers to create a sound that is both familiar and alien. Commonly used in Experimental, Contemporary Classical, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Gyorgy Ligeti. Use in experimental composition over polytonal or atonal passages. A tool for creating cognitive dissonance.
Notes: C, D, E, F, Gb, Ab, Bb
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-W-H-H-W-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: arabian
How to Play C Locrian Major on Ukulele
On ukulele, find C 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 C Locrian Major scale contains 3 flats (Gb, Ab, Bb). Its relative major is E major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the C Locrian Major 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 C to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian Major scale come through clearly.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the C Locrian Major 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 C Locrian Major scale contains 7 notes (C, D, E, F, Gb, Ab, Bb). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Locrian Major
The C Locrian Major 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 C Locrian Major Further
- Harmonize the C Locrian Major scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C Locrian Major on Guitar
- C Locrian Major on Bass
- C Locrian Major on Piano