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