D# Locrian #2 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Half Step Down tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Locrian #2 in Half Step Down — Notes and Intervals
The D# Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Guitar, it contains the notes D#, F, F#, G#, A, B, C#. 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: D#, F, F#, G#, A, B, C#
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
Tuning: Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
Also known as: half-diminished, aeolian b5
About Half Step Down Tuning
Eb Standard tuning lowers every string by one half step (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb), producing a slightly darker, heavier tone while keeping all standard chord shapes and scale patterns intact. This tuning has been the default for some of the greatest guitarists in rock and blues history, including Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Slash.
The half-step drop reduces string tension, making bending easier and giving a warmer, slightly thicker tone. For vocalists, the lower pitch can make singing more comfortable. Jimi Hendrix tuned to Eb on virtually all of his recordings — from 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)' to 'Little Wing'. Stevie Ray Vaughan paired Eb tuning with very heavy strings to create his legendary thick tone on classics like 'Pride and Joy' and 'Texas Flood'. Slash used Eb for most Guns N' Roses recordings including 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and 'November Rain'. Alice in Chains also recorded extensively in Eb Standard.
Notable artists: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Slash (Guns N' Roses), Alice in Chains, Nirvana
Best for: Blues-rock, classic rock, and any style where you want easier bending, slightly darker tone, and full compatibility with standard tuning shapes
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.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Locrian #2 in Standard Tuning
- D# Locrian #2 in Drop D
- D# Locrian #2 in DADGAD
- D# Locrian #2 in Open G
- D# Locrian #2 in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Locrian #2 in 7-string
- D# Locrian #2 in 8-string
- D# Locrian #2 in Drop C
- D# Locrian #2 in Drop B
- D# Locrian #2 in Open D
- D# Locrian #2 in Open E
- D# Locrian #2 in Open A
- D# Locrian #2 in Double Drop D
- D# Locrian #2 in Open C