F# Ultralocrian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
F# Ultralocrian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# Ultralocrian scale is an extremely dark and condensed scale used to create intense chromatic tension. On Piano, its notes are F#, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb. 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: F#, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb
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 F# Ultralocrian on Piano
On piano, the F# Ultralocrian scale uses 3 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# Ultralocrian scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative major is A major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the F# Ultralocrian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (F#-A, G-Bb) 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 F# to let the characteristic intervals of the Ultralocrian scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the F# 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 F# Ultralocrian scale contains 7 notes (F#, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.