B Locrian #2 Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
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 Banjo (5-String), 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
Musical Character
The natural 2nd degree (vs b2 in standard Locrian) makes this vastly more usable — smoother voice leading while retaining the essential b5 for half-diminished harmony.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Post-Bop, Contemporary
Notable players: John Coltrane, Woody Shaw, Steve Coleman
How to Use the B Locrian #2 Scale
Use over m7b5 chords. The preferred jazz choice over half-diminished chords (vs standard Locrian which sounds too harsh).
Origin & Background
The sixth mode of the melodic minor scale. Jazz musicians prefer it over standard Locrian for its smoother sound.
How to Play B Locrian #2 on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Locrian #2 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
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 100 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. This scale is especially effective in jazz contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the B Locrian #2 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a dark quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Locrian #2 is the 6th mode of the Melodic Minor scale. View B Melodic minor scale
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 Banjo (5-String) 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
- Browse chord progressions
- B Locrian #2 on Guitar
- B Locrian #2 on Ukulele
- B Locrian #2 on Bass
- B Locrian #2 on Piano