E Locrian 6 Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
E Locrian 6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Locrian 6 scale is a rare and dissonant mode that adds a major sixth sparkle to a dark Locrian base. On Piano, its notes are E, F, G, A, Bb, C#, D. It provides a unique modal variation for experimental compositions and is used to create a sense of distorted major tonality. Commonly used in Experimental, Jazz, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Steve Coleman. Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in experimental contexts. A modal exploration tool rather than a standard jazz choice.
Notes: E, F, G, A, Bb, C#, D
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
Also known as: locrian natural 6, locrian sharp 6
Musical Character
Adds a major 6th sparkle to the otherwise dark Locrian mode — a contradiction that creates a uniquely unsettled, 'glitchy' quality.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Experimental, Jazz, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Allan Holdsworth, Steve Coleman
How to Use the E Locrian 6 Scale
Use over diminished and half-diminished chords in experimental contexts. A modal exploration tool rather than a standard jazz choice.
Origin & Background
The second mode of the harmonic minor scale. Used in experimental composition.
How to Play E Locrian 6 on Piano
On piano, the E Locrian 6 scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on E and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The E Locrian 6 scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative major is G major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the E Locrian 6 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 E to let the characteristic intervals of the Locrian 6 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in avant-garde contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the E Locrian 6 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 distorted quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Locrian 6 is the 2nd mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. View E Harmonic minor scale
The E Locrian 6 scale contains 7 notes (E, F, G, A, Bb, C#, D). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.