C Ultralocrian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
C Ultralocrian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Ultralocrian scale is an extremely dark and condensed scale used to create intense chromatic tension. On Piano, its notes are C, Db, Eb, E, Gb, Ab, A. 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: C, Db, Eb, E, Gb, Ab, A
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 C Ultralocrian on Piano
On piano, the C Ultralocrian scale uses 4 black keys. With several black keys involved, let the thumb naturally fall on white keys where possible. Practice hands separately at first, paying attention to smooth thumb-under transitions.
The C Ultralocrian scale contains 4 flats (Db, Eb, Gb, Ab). Its relative major is Eb major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the C 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 C to let the characteristic intervals of the Ultralocrian scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the C Ultralocrian 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 Ultralocrian scale contains 7 notes (C, Db, Eb, E, Gb, Ab, A). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.