E Ultralocrian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
E Ultralocrian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Ultralocrian scale is an extremely dark and condensed scale used to create intense chromatic tension. On Piano, its notes are E, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db. 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: E, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db
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 E Ultralocrian on Piano
On piano, the E Ultralocrian scale uses 3 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 Ultralocrian scale contains 3 flats (Ab, Bb, Db). Its relative major is G major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the E Ultralocrian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (E-G, F-Ab) 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 E to let the characteristic intervals of the Ultralocrian scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the E 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 E Ultralocrian scale contains 7 notes (E, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.