Locrian Natural 6: guitar scale formula, degrees and fretboard patterns
Locrian Natural 6 is an interactive GuitarArcanum scale page with formula, degree functions, fretboard patterns and chord relationships.
Scale formula
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 b5 6 b7. Classification: unstable.
Description
Detailed explanation Locrian natural 6 is the 2nd mode of harmonic minor — a dark half-diminished scale with a surprisingly bright 6th. The characteristic sound The flat 2nd and flat 5th keep the dark Locrian character, while the natural 6th adds a little light up top. Tonic and function The tonic is m7b5 — unstable, used in a harmonic-minor context. Chords and use Over m7b5 in harmonic-minor progressions. A rarer alternative to Locrian natural 2. Essence Locrian with a natural 6th. The 2nd mode of harmonic minor.
Degree functions
- I — Unstable root: Degree I remains a formal center but does not become a stable tonic.
- bII — Flat second tension: Degree bII preserves locrian upper compression.
- bIII — Minor identity: Degree bIII preserves minor color.
- IV — Temporary support: Degree IV gives temporary support around b5.
- bV — Diminished fifth: Degree bV remains the main source of instability.
- VI — Natural sixth color: Degree VI creates a rare upper color for the locrian family.
- bVII — Open instability: Degree bVII provides no leading-tone release and keeps the mode open.
Use cases
- rare m7b5 color
- advanced modal improvisation
- synthetic harmony study
- film tension writing
- guitar color-contrast vocabulary
Typical progressions
- m7b5 static color vamp
- half-diminished pedal with natural 6 melody
- synthetic predominant loop
- unstable color cycle