B Oriental (locrian) Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
B Oriental (locrian) Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Oriental (locrian) scale introduces a raised sixth into the Locrian mode, creating an augmented second in the upper half that injects Middle Eastern color into the darkest of Western modes. On Piano, its notes are B, C, D, E, F, G#, A. It produces a brief flash of exotic brightness within an otherwise bleak tonal landscape, ideal for dramatic metal riffs and tension-laden film scoring. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Experimental. Notable players include Buckethead, Marty Friedman. Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in exotic contexts. The raised 6th provides a brief moment of brightness within the otherwise bleak Locrian landscape. Best over pedal tones and drones.
Notes: B, C, D, E, F, G#, A
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-H-WH-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
A Locrian mode with a raised 6th degree. The augmented 2nd between the 5th and raised 6th in the upper half produces a Middle Eastern character while the Locrian foundation (b2, b3, b5) maintains extreme darkness.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Experimental
Notable players: Buckethead, Marty Friedman
How to Use the B Oriental (locrian) Scale
Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in exotic contexts. The raised 6th provides a brief moment of brightness within the otherwise bleak Locrian landscape. Best over pedal tones and drones.
Origin & Background
A Locrian variant that introduces a raised 6th degree, creating the augmented 2nd interval in the upper tetrachord that is the hallmark of Middle Eastern modal systems. The combination of Locrian instability with Eastern exoticism produces a scale suited to dramatic, narrative-driven music.
How to Play B Oriental (locrian) on Piano
On piano, the B Oriental (locrian) scale uses 1 black key. Start with your thumb on B and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The B Oriental (locrian) scale contains 1 sharp (G#). Its relative major is D major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Practice the B Oriental (locrian) scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 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 B to let the characteristic intervals of the Oriental (locrian) scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in middle eastern contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the B Oriental (locrian) scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously. Aim for a mysterious quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The B Oriental (locrian) scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D, E, F, G#, A). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Piano. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.