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