Super Locrian bb7 (Ultra Locrian) on Guitar
The Super Locrian bb7 scale is the seventh mode of harmonic minor: 1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 bb7. Some players call it Ultra Locrian.
The double-flat seventh has the pitch of a major sixth but is spelled as a seventh, which makes the tonic chord a diminished seventh. Pick a key below for the notes, fretboard patterns and player.
C Super Locrian bb7 Scale: box pattern, position 1
Structure
How the super locrian bb7 scale is built:
The super locrian bb7 scale is built from the degrees 1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 bb7, which gives the step pattern H-W-H-W-W-H-W+H (W = whole step, H = half step).
Counting in semitones from the root: 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9. That makes it a 7-note scale.
It is mode 7 of the Harmonic Minor Scale, so both scales share the same notes from a different starting point.
It is also known as Ultra Locrian.
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The Super Locrian bb7 Scale at a glance
| Also known as | Ultra Locrian |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 bb7 |
| Step pattern | H-W-H-W-W-H-W+H |
| Notes | 7 |
| Comes from | Mode 7 of the Harmonic Minor Scale |
| Sound | The most unstable of the harmonic minor modes, with every degree flat. |
| Used for | A rare colour for diminished seventh chords. |
| Chords to try in C | Cdim, Cdim7 |
Scales close to Super Locrian bb7
- Locrian Scale: shares 5 notes
- Harmonic Minor: shares 3 notes
- Altered Scale: b7 instead of bb7
More Modes from the Harmonic Minor Scale
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Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What is the Super Locrian bb7 Scale?
The most unstable of the harmonic minor modes, with every degree flat. Its formula is 1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 bb7, a 7-note scale. Typical use: A rare colour for diminished seventh chords.
What are the notes of the C Super Locrian bb7 scale?
The C Super Locrian bb7 scale is C, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab, Bbb.
What chords can I play the Super Locrian bb7 Scale over?
In the key of C, try Cdim and Cdim7.
