F Locrian 6 Tres Cubano Scale
Tres Cubano scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
F Locrian 6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F Locrian 6 scale is a rare and dissonant mode that adds a major sixth sparkle to a dark Locrian base. On Tres Cubano, its notes are F, Gb, Ab, Bb, B, D, Eb. 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: F, Gb, Ab, Bb, B, D, Eb
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
Also known as: locrian natural 6, locrian sharp 6
Musical Character
Adds a major 6th sparkle to the otherwise dark Locrian mode — a contradiction that creates a uniquely unsettled, 'glitchy' quality.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Experimental, Jazz, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Allan Holdsworth, Steve Coleman
How to Use the F Locrian 6 Scale
Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in experimental contexts. A modal exploration tool rather than a standard jazz choice.
Origin & Background
The second mode of the harmonic minor scale. Used in experimental composition.
How to Play F Locrian 6 on Tres Cubano
Begin by locating F on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Locrian 6 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The F Locrian 6 scale contains 4 flats (Gb, Ab, Bb, Eb). Its relative major is Ab major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Begin by playing the F Locrian 6 scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (F-Ab, Gb-Bb) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on F to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian 6 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in experimental contexts.
Tres Cubano Tips
Practice the F Locrian 6 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a distorted quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Locrian 6 is the 2nd mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. View F Harmonic minor scale
The F Locrian 6 scale contains 7 notes (F, Gb, Ab, Bb, B, D, Eb). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Tres Cubano with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F Locrian 6
The F Locrian 6 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.