G# Ultralocrian Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
G# Ultralocrian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Ultralocrian scale is an extremely dark and condensed scale used to create intense chromatic tension. On Bass, its notes are G#, A, B, C, D, E, F. 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: G#, A, B, C, D, E, F
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 G# Ultralocrian on Bass
On bass, locate G# on the E string at fret 4. Use a one-finger-per-fret approach starting from the root and span two to three strings. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and practice shifting between positions cleanly.
The G# Ultralocrian scale contains 1 sharp (G#). Its relative major is B major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the G# Ultralocrian scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on G# to let the characteristic intervals of the Ultralocrian scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the G# Ultralocrian scale to build walking bass lines by targeting chord tones on strong beats and using scale tones as approach notes. This is the foundation of functional bass playing.
The G# Ultralocrian scale contains 7 notes (G#, A, B, C, D, E, F). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G# Ultralocrian
The G# 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.