E Locrian #2 Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
E Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Banjo (5-String), it contains the notes E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, D. 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: E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, D
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 E 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 E Locrian #2 on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating E on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Locrian #2 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The E Locrian #2 scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative major is G major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the E 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 E to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in post-bop contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the E 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 E Melodic minor scale
The E Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Locrian #2
The E 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 E Locrian #2 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- E Locrian #2 on Guitar
- E Locrian #2 on Ukulele
- E Locrian #2 on Bass
- E Locrian #2 on Piano