G Locrian Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
G Locrian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Locrian Pentatonic scale is an unstable and mysterious scale used to evoke tension and ambiguity. On Piano, its notes are G, Bb, C, Db, F. It is often found in experimental music and certain Indian Ragas, providing a dissonant, outside sound that is perfect for dark, avant-garde, or high-tension compositions. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Experimental, Progressive. Notable players include John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel. Use over m7b5 (half-diminished) chords. Essential for jazz solos over ii chords in minor ii-V-i progressions.
Notes: G, Bb, C, Db, F
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5d, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5
Formula: WH-W-H-4-W
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: minor seven flat five pentatonic
How to Play G Locrian Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the G Locrian Pentatonic scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on G and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The G Locrian Pentatonic scale contains 2 flats (Bb, Db). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the G Locrian Pentatonic 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.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in G. Try a G5 - Db5 - F5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the G 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 G Locrian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (G, Bb, C, Db, F). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.