G# Locrian #2 Charango Scale
Charango scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
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 Charango, 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
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 G# 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 G# Locrian #2 on Charango
Begin by locating G# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Locrian #2 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
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 100 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. This scale is especially effective in post-bop contexts.
Charango Tips
Practice the G# 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 G# Melodic minor scale
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 Charango 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
- Browse chord progressions
- G# Locrian #2 on Guitar
- G# Locrian #2 on Ukulele
- G# Locrian #2 on Bass
- G# Locrian #2 on Piano