G Locrian #2 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
G Locrian #2 in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The G Locrian #2 scale is a more usable and consonant version of the standard Locrian mode. On Guitar, it contains the notes G, A, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F. 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: G, A, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F
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: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Also known as: half-diminished, aeolian b5
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
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
- G Locrian #2 in Standard Tuning
- G Locrian #2 in Drop D
- G Locrian #2 in DADGAD
- G Locrian #2 in Open G
- G Locrian #2 in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Locrian #2 in 7-string
- G Locrian #2 in 8-string
- G Locrian #2 in Drop C
- G Locrian #2 in Drop B
- G Locrian #2 in Open D
- G Locrian #2 in Half Step Down
- G Locrian #2 in Open E
- G Locrian #2 in Open A
- G Locrian #2 in Double Drop D