C Locrian #2 Cuatro Venezolano Scale
Cuatro Venezolano scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
C Locrian #2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Cuatro Venezolano, it contains the notes C, D, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb. 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: C, D, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb
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 C 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 C Locrian #2 on Cuatro Venezolano
Begin by locating C on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Locrian #2 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The C Locrian #2 scale contains 4 flats (Eb, Gb, Ab, Bb). Its relative major is Eb major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the C Locrian #2 scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian #2 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in contemporary contexts.
Cuatro Venezolano Tips
Practice the C 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 C Melodic minor scale
The C Locrian #2 scale contains 7 notes (C, D, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cuatro Venezolano with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Locrian #2
The C 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 C Locrian #2 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- C Locrian #2 on Guitar
- C Locrian #2 on Ukulele
- C Locrian #2 on Bass
- C Locrian #2 on Piano