A Locrian 6 Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
A Locrian 6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Locrian 6 scale is a rare and dissonant mode that adds a major sixth sparkle to a dark Locrian base. On Cavaquinho, its notes are A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F#, G. 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: A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F#, G
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
Musical Character
Adds a major 6th sparkle to the otherwise dark Locrian mode — a contradiction that creates a uniquely unsettled, 'glitchy' quality.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Experimental, Jazz, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Allan Holdsworth, Steve Coleman
How to Use the A Locrian 6 Scale
Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in experimental contexts. A modal exploration tool rather than a standard jazz choice.
Origin & Background
The second mode of the harmonic minor scale. Used in experimental composition.
How to Play A Locrian 6 on Cavaquinho
Begin by locating A on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Locrian 6 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A Locrian 6 scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative major is C major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the A Locrian 6 scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (A-C, Bb-D) 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 A to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian 6 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in experimental contexts.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the A Locrian 6 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a distorted quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Locrian 6 is the 2nd mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. View A Harmonic minor scale
The A Locrian 6 scale contains 7 notes (A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F#, G). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Locrian 6
The A 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 A Locrian 6 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- A Locrian 6 on Guitar
- A Locrian 6 on Ukulele
- A Locrian 6 on Bass
- A Locrian 6 on Piano