Explore scales · Ukulele
E locrian scale on ukulele
E locrian uses E, F, G, A, B♭, C, D. Its root sits at fret 4 on string 3, leaving open strings mostly outside the scale.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the E locrian scale on ukulele?
E locrian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the E string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E locrian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the C string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3, 5 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
E locrian in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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 C string at fret 4 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E locrian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the G string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9, 10 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
E locrian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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 G string at fret 9 and the E string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 12 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
E locrian is the seventh mode of F major, built as 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7. It lowers the fifth of E 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 E locrian over E minor 7th flat 5th or E diminished chords in minor-key turnarounds. It suits tense jazz passages and metal riffs that need a half-step lead-in. Try it over E minor 7th flat 5th or E diminished.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It places the root on string 3 and covers frets 0–3 for quick low-position runs.
Common questions
Which notes are in E locrian?
E, F, G, A, B♭, C, and D. The scale has a half step between E and F, and a tritone between E and B♭. It is the seventh mode of F major.
What chords fit E locrian?
E minor 7th flat 5th and E diminished are the primary chords. The scale also works over F major and G minor in passing. Use it where the harmony implies a diminished tonic.
Why does E 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.