What is the Locrian #2 Mode ?

The Locrian #2(Aeolian (b5) scale is the second sixth mode of the melodic minor scale. Like all the Aeolian b5 modes it is a minor family scale. The interval pattern is : Whole step, Whole step, Half step, whole step, Half step, whole step, whole step giving the following formula : 1 – 2 (9) – b3 – 4 (11) – b5 – b6 – b7. means Root, flat second, flat Third, perfect fourth, Fifth, Sixth, flat Seventh.

he formula is 1 2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7. This is a nice choice when you want to play over a half-diminished chord (m7b5) precisely in a minor II-V-I sequence. Indeed, playing the Locrian natural 2 mode in place of the Locrian mode brings a touch of modernity.

Locrian Natural 2 Positions on Guitar
Here below you’ll find one-octave, two-octave and 3-notes per string shapes to play the Locrian #2 scale scale on guitar.