A# Locrian 6 Mandolin Scale
Mandolin 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 Mandolin, its notes are A#, B, C#, D#, E, G, 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#, B, C#, D#, E, G, 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 Mandolin
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 4 sharps (A#, C#, D#, 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 6 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 6 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in jazz contexts.
Mandolin 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#, B, C#, D#, E, G, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin 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