G# Locrian #2 Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
G# Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Ukulele, it contains the notes G#, A#, B, C#, D, E, F#. 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: G#, A#, B, C#, D, E, F#
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 G# Locrian #2 on Ukulele
On ukulele, find G# 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 G# Locrian #2 scale contains 4 sharps (G#, A#, C#, F#). Its relative major is B major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the G# 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 G# to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly.
Ukulele Tips
The compact fretboard of the ukulele makes the G# 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 G# Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (G#, A#, B, C#, D, E, F#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G# Locrian #2
The G# 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 G# Locrian #2 Further
- Harmonize the G# Locrian #2 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- G# Locrian #2 on Guitar
- G# Locrian #2 on Bass
- G# Locrian #2 on Piano