Explore scales · Ukulele
C♯ locrian scale on ukulele
C♯ locrian uses C♯, D, E, F♯, G, A, B. Its root sits at fret 6 on the low string, leaving open strings mostly outside the scale.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the C♯ locrian scale on ukulele?
C♯ locrian in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the C string at fret 1 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
C♯ locrian in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the G string at fret 6 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
C♯ locrian in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the G string at fret 6 and the E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
C♯ locrian in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
C♯ locrian is the seventh mode of D major, built as 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7. It lowers the fifth of C♯ phrygian, creating a diminished tonic triad. The scale’s half-step opening and tritone against the root produce its unstable colour.
When to use it
Use C♯ locrian over C♯ minor 7th flat 5th or C♯ diminished chords in minor-key turnarounds. It suits tense jazz passages and metal riffs that need a half-step lead-in. Try it over C♯ minor 7th flat 5th or C♯ diminished.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It places the root on strings 4 and 1 and covers frets 1–4 for quick low-position runs.
Common questions
Which notes are in C♯ locrian?
C♯, D, E, F♯, G, A, and B. The scale has a half step between C♯ and D, and a tritone between C♯ and G. It is the seventh mode of D major. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
What chords fit C♯ locrian?
C♯ minor 7th flat 5th and C♯ diminished are the primary chords. The scale also works over D major and E minor in passing. Use it where the harmony implies a diminished tonic.
Why does C♯ locrian sound unstable?
The flattened fifth creates a tritone with the root. Combined with the flattened second, the scale lacks a perfect fifth. This makes it hard to resolve and gives a dark, tense quality.