C# Locrian Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
C# Locrian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Locrian Pentatonic scale is an unstable and mysterious scale used to evoke tension and ambiguity. On Piano, its notes are C#, E, F#, G, B. It is often found in experimental music and certain Indian Ragas, providing a dissonant, outside sound that is perfect for dark, avant-garde, or high-tension compositions. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Experimental, Progressive. Notable players include John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel. Use over m7b5 (half-diminished) chords. Essential for jazz solos over ii chords in minor ii-V-i progressions.
Notes: C#, E, F#, G, B
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5d, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5
Formula: WH-W-H-4-W
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: minor seven flat five pentatonic
How to Play C# Locrian Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the C# Locrian Pentatonic scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on C# and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The C# Locrian Pentatonic scale contains 2 sharps (C#, F#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the C# Locrian Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C#-F#, E-G) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in C#. Try a C#5 - G5 - B5 progression.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the C# Locrian Pentatonic 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.
The C# Locrian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (C#, E, F#, G, B). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.