How to Play a B Locrian Scale on Piano

Learning to play the B Locrian scale on piano is relatively simple if you know the basic C major scale already. B Locrian is the seventh mode of the C major scale, meaning that it is comprised of the same notes as a C scale but starts on the seventh note (B). B Locrian has a completely different sound quality than C major, and requires different finger crossings and wrist placement to effectively navigate and master it. The key signature has no flats or sharps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice with your right hand only. Place your thumb on B4. Ascend a minor third interval through B, C and D. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to E4. Continue to ascend the remaining perfect fifth interval through E, F, G, A and B. Your pinkie finger should land on B5 to finish out the scale. Keep your wrist elevated as you ascend this scale.

2. Descend the B Locrian scale a perfect fifth interval through B, C, G, F and E. Cross your middle finger over your thumb to D4. Descend the last minor third interval through D, C and B natural. Your thumb should be placed on B4, the original pitch. As you descend the scale after the octave turn, shift your wrist quickly to the left when you make your only required finger crossing. This will help to ensure pitch accuracy.

3. Focus on your left hand only. Place your pinkie finger on B3. Ascend a diminished fifth scale through B, C, D, E and stop at F3. Cross your middle finger over your thumb at G3. Ascend the last major third interval through G, A and B. Your thumb should be placed on B4.

4. Descend the scale with your left hand. Come down a major third interval through the notes B, A and G. Keep your wrist slightly elevated before making the upcoming finger crossing. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to F3. Descend the remaining diminished fifth interval through F, E, D, C and B. Your pinkie finger should land on B3 to finish the scale. As there is only one finger crossing as you descend, keep your forearm as stable and perpendicular to the keyboard as possible.

5. The B Locrian scale is one of the most simple modes to master. The total absence of black keys allows you to focus almost exclusively on speed. Keep your wrist elevated and your forearm stable at each octave turn. Begin practicing this scale at a tempo of no less than 90 beats per minute. Play each note with a quarter note value to start. As you increase the tempo play multiple octaves instead of just one. Practice this scale at a maximum tempo of 200 beats per minute and always play with both bands simultaneously once you've focused on learning the patterns of each individual hand.