G# Ultralocrian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
G# Ultralocrian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Ultralocrian scale is an extremely dark and condensed scale used to create intense chromatic tension. On Piano, its notes are G#, A, B, C, D, E, F. 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: G#, A, B, C, D, E, F
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
Musical Character
The darkest mode of the harmonic minor — so dark it has a diminished 4th (bb7), making it almost chromatic. Used to push dissonance to its absolute limit.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Avant-Garde, Dark Ambient, Experimental Jazz
Notable players: John Zorn, Derek Bailey
How to Use the G# Ultralocrian Scale
Use over dim7 chords in avant-garde contexts. More of a compositional tool than an improvisational one.
Origin & Background
The seventh mode of the harmonic minor scale. Explores the most dissonant extreme of minor-key tonality.
How to Play G# Ultralocrian on Piano
On piano, the G# Ultralocrian scale uses 1 black key. 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# Ultralocrian scale contains 1 sharp (G#). Its relative major is B major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the G# Ultralocrian scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (G#-B, A-C) 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 G# to let the characteristic intervals of the Ultralocrian scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in avant-garde contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the G# Ultralocrian 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 extremely dark quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Ultralocrian is the 7th mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. View G# Harmonic minor scale
The G# Ultralocrian scale contains 7 notes (G#, A, B, C, D, E, F). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.