D Locrian Major Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
D Locrian Major in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The D Locrian Major scale is a 20th-century hybrid that combines the stability of a major third with the dissonance of a Locrian base. On Guitar, it contains the notes D, E, F#, G, Ab, Bb, C. 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: D, E, F#, G, Ab, Bb, C
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
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Also known as: arabian
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
A major 3rd within a Locrian framework — the contradiction creates a sound that is both familiar (major) and alien (b2, b5) simultaneously.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D Locrian Major in Standard Tuning
- D Locrian Major in Drop D
- D Locrian Major in DADGAD
- D Locrian Major in Open G
- D Locrian Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Locrian Major in 7-string
- D Locrian Major in 8-string
- D Locrian Major in Drop C
- D Locrian Major in Drop B
- D Locrian Major in Open D
- D Locrian Major in Half Step Down
- D Locrian Major in Open E
- D Locrian Major in Open A
- D Locrian Major in Double Drop D