D Locrian 6 Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
D Locrian 6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Locrian 6 scale is a rare and dissonant mode that adds a major sixth sparkle to a dark Locrian base. On Ukulele, its notes are D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C. It provides a unique modal variation for experimental compositions and is used to create a sense of distorted major tonality. Commonly used in Experimental, Jazz, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Steve Coleman. Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in experimental contexts. A modal exploration tool rather than a standard jazz choice.
Notes: D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-H-WH-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: locrian natural 6, locrian sharp 6
How to Play D Locrian 6 on Ukulele
On ukulele, find D 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 D Locrian 6 scale contains 2 flats (Eb, Ab). Its relative major is F major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the D Locrian 6 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 D to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian 6 scale come through clearly.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the D Locrian 6 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 D Locrian 6 scale contains 7 notes (D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Locrian 6
The D Locrian 6 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 D Locrian 6 Further
- Harmonize the D Locrian 6 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- D Locrian 6 on Guitar
- D Locrian 6 on Bass
- D Locrian 6 on Piano