B Ultralocrian Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagram
B Ultralocrian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Ultralocrian scale is an extremely dark and condensed scale used to create intense chromatic tension. On Banjo (5-String), its notes are B, C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab. It is used in avant-garde jazz and dark ambient music to explore the most dissonant boundaries of minor-key tonality. Commonly used in Avant-Garde, Dark Ambient, Experimental Jazz. Notable players include John Zorn, Derek Bailey. Use over dim7 chords in avant-garde contexts. More of a compositional tool than an improvisational one.
Notes: B, C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4d, 5d, 6m, 7d
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-W-H-W-W-H-WH
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: superlocrian bb7, superlocrian diminished
How to Play B Ultralocrian on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Ultralocrian scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The B Ultralocrian scale contains 2 flats (Eb, Ab). Its relative major is D major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the B Ultralocrian scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Ultralocrian scale come through clearly.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the B Ultralocrian scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The B Ultralocrian scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Ultralocrian
The B Ultralocrian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore B Ultralocrian Further
- Browse chord progressions
- B Ultralocrian on Guitar
- B Ultralocrian on Ukulele
- B Ultralocrian on Bass
- B Ultralocrian on Piano