F# Oriental (locrian) Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
F# Oriental (locrian) Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# 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 F#, G, A, B, C, D#, E. 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: F#, G, A, B, C, D#, E
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 F# 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 F# Oriental (locrian) on Piano
On piano, the F# Oriental (locrian) scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on F# and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The F# Oriental (locrian) scale contains 2 sharps (F#, D#). Its relative major is A major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the F# Oriental (locrian) scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on F# 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 F# 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 F# Oriental (locrian) scale contains 7 notes (F#, G, A, B, C, D#, E). 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.