scale
Fretboard diagram
E ultralocrian scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the E ultralocrian scale yields the darkest possible chord family, with virtually every chord containing a dissonant interval. The chords of E ultralocrian are E diminished, F minor, G diminished, Ab augmented, Bb minor, C major, Db major. These chords are used in avant-garde jazz and dark ambient music for extreme harmonic tension. The chord family resists any sense of tonal center, making it effective for disturbing, unsettled musical passages. Commonly used in Avant-Garde, Dark Ambient, Experimental Jazz. Notable players include John Zorn, Derek Bailey.
The E ultralocrian scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4d ♭5 ♭6 7d.
Intervals: H-W-H-W-W-H-3H.
Diatonic chords: E diminished, F minor, G diminished, Ab augmented, Bb minor, C major, Db major.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | E diminished |
| ii | F minor |
| iii | G diminished |
| IV | Ab augmented |
| V | Bb minor |
| vi | C major |
| vii° | Db major |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (E diminished) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (F minor) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (G diminished) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Ab augmented) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Bb minor) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (C major) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Db major) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the E ultralocrian scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the E ultralocrian scale on guitar.
ultralocrian is the 7th mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. View E Harmonic minor scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over dim7 chords in avant-garde contexts. More of a compositional tool than an improvisational one.