D Super Locrian Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
D Super Locrian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Super Locrian Pentatonic scale is an aggressive and highly dissonant subset of the altered scale. On Piano, it contains the notes D, F, Gb, Ab, C. It is a primary tool for advanced jazz guitarists and horn players to create outside tension over altered dominant chords before resolving back to the tonic. Commonly used in Jazz, Avant-Garde, Fusion. Notable players include John Coltrane, Michael Brecker. Use over 7alt, 7#9b13 chords. The pentatonic shortcut for maximum 'outside' tension over altered dominants.
Notes: D, F, Gb, Ab, C
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4d, 5d, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5
Formula: WH-H-W-4-W
Number of notes: 5
How to Play D Super Locrian Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the D Super Locrian Pentatonic scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on D and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The D Super Locrian Pentatonic scale contains 2 flats (Gb, Ab). 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 D Super Locrian Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (D-Gb, F-Ab) 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 D. Try a D5 - Ab5 - C5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the D Super Locrian Pentatonic scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The D Super Locrian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (D, F, Gb, Ab, C). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.