C# Locrian Major Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
C# Locrian Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Locrian Major scale is a 20th-century hybrid that combines the stability of a major third with the dissonance of a Locrian base. On Mandolin, it contains the notes C#, D#, F, F#, G, A, B. It was used by experimental composers to create a sound that is both familiar and alien. Commonly used in Experimental, Contemporary Classical, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Gyorgy Ligeti. Use in experimental composition over polytonal or atonal passages. A tool for creating cognitive dissonance.
Notes: C#, D#, F, F#, G, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-W-H-H-W-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: arabian
Musical Character
A major 3rd within a Locrian framework — the contradiction creates a sound that is both familiar (major) and alien (b2, b5) simultaneously.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Experimental, Contemporary Classical, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Bela Bartok, Gyorgy Ligeti
How to Use the C# Locrian Major Scale
Use in experimental composition over polytonal or atonal passages. A tool for creating cognitive dissonance.
Origin & Background
A 20th-century synthetic scale used by experimental composers to create sounds that defy tonal expectations.
How to Play C# Locrian Major on Mandolin
Begin by locating C# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Locrian Major scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The C# Locrian Major scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is F major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the C# Locrian Major 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 Major scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in avant-garde contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the C# Locrian Major scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a alien quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The C# Locrian Major scale contains 7 notes (C#, D#, F, F#, G, A, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C# Locrian Major
The C# Locrian Major 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 Major Further
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Locrian Major on Guitar
- C# Locrian Major on Ukulele
- C# Locrian Major on Bass
- C# Locrian Major on Piano