C# Locrian 6 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
C# Locrian 6 in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The C# Locrian 6 scale is a rare and dissonant mode that adds a major sixth sparkle to a dark Locrian base. On Guitar, its notes are C#, D, E, F#, G, A#, B. 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: C#, D, E, F#, G, A#, B
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
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Also known as: locrian natural 6, locrian sharp 6
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Musical Character
Adds a major 6th sparkle to the otherwise dark Locrian mode — a contradiction that creates a uniquely unsettled, 'glitchy' quality.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- C# Locrian 6 in Standard Tuning
- C# Locrian 6 in Drop D
- C# Locrian 6 in DADGAD
- C# Locrian 6 in Open G
- C# Locrian 6 in Baritone (B Standard)
- C# Locrian 6 in 7-string
- C# Locrian 6 in 8-string
- C# Locrian 6 in Drop C
- C# Locrian 6 in Drop B
- C# Locrian 6 in Open D
- C# Locrian 6 in Half Step Down
- C# Locrian 6 in Open E
- C# Locrian 6 in Open A
- C# Locrian 6 in Double Drop D