D# Oriental (locrian) Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
D# Oriental (locrian) Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D# 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 D#, E, F#, G#, A, C, C#. 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: D#, E, F#, G#, A, C, C#
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 D# 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 D# Oriental (locrian) on Piano
On piano, the D# Oriental (locrian) 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 D# Oriental (locrian) scale contains 4 sharps (D#, F#, G#, C#). Its relative major is F# major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Begin by playing the D# Oriental (locrian) scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (D#-F#, E-G#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D# to let the characteristic intervals of the Oriental (locrian) scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the D# Oriental (locrian) scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a mysterious quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The D# Oriental (locrian) scale contains 7 notes (D#, E, F#, G#, A, C, C#). 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.