Locrian Natural 2: guitar scale formula, degrees and fretboard patterns

Scale formula

Formula: 1 2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7. Classification: unstable.

Description

Detailed explanation Locrian natural 2 is the 6th mode of melodic minor — Locrian, but with a bright natural 2nd. The characteristic sound The natural 2nd removes the harsh tension of plain Locrian, leaving a dark but more usable half-diminished sound. Tonic and function The tonic is m7b5. It's the best scale over a half-diminished chord — softer than plain Locrian. Chords and use Over m7b5 (the ii of a minor ii – V – i). The standard jazz choice instead of the darker Locrian. Essence Locrian with a natural 2nd. The working scale over m7b5.

Degree functions

• I — Unstable root: Degree I remains the root of the half-diminished structure but is not perceived as tonic.
• II — Natural second color: Degree II softens upper compression and makes the mode usable for iiø.
• bIII — Minor identity: Degree bIII preserves the minor profile of the chord.
• IV — Temporary support: Degree IV gives intermediate support in the predominant line.
• bV — Diminished fifth: Degree bV remains the main structural sign of half-diminished quality.
• bVI — Dark color: Degree bVI preserves connection with the minor target zone.
• bVII — Predominant seventh: Degree bVII supports predominant softness and does not seek to become a leading tone.

Use cases

• iiø in minor
• jazz minor cadence improvisation
• m7b5 comping
• functional pre-dominant lines
• guitar iiø–V–i practice

Typical progressions

• iiø–V7–i
• iiø–V7alt–iMaj7
• iiø pedal to dominant
• minor turnaround with iiø