The Super Locrian Pentatonic scale (also known as the Altered Pentatonic) is a dissonant and futuristic five-note scale. It distills the most essential "outside" tensions of the Altered scale into a compact structure, making it a powerful tool for soloing over dominant chords that resolve to a minor tonic.
Construction and formula
This version of the Super Locrian Pentatonic scale focuses on the intervals that define the most tense, "altered" sound. It consists of the 1st, ♭3rd, ♭4th, ♭5th, and ♭7th degrees of the super locrian series.
In C, the notes are: C–E♭–F♭–G♭–B♭.
Its interval formula is: 1–♭3–♭4–♭5–♭7.
This configuration is particularly striking because it features a diminished fourth (which sounds like a major third) and a diminished fifth. This combination creates an extremely unstable harmonic environment that feels "broken" and ready for resolution.
Musical usage
This scale is a staple in modern jazz and fusion for navigating altered dominant chords (7alt). It provides a jagged, angular melodic quality. By using the ♭4 (F♭) and ♭5 (G♭), it directly targets the most dissonant extensions of an altered harmony.
In cinematic scoring, it is used to suggest psychological depth, high anxiety, or alien environments. It lacks any "stable" resting points (like a perfect fifth), making it perfect for moments of intense harmonic transition or mystery.
Examples
- Soloing over an altered dominant chord (e.g., G7alt) to create maximum tension.
- Angular jazz-fusion riffs that utilize large, dissonant leaps.
- Cinematic "tension beds" for scenes involving suspense or disorientation.
- Modern improvisation that emphasizes the ♭5 and ♭4 as primary color notes.
In practice
To hear the effect, play a C7alt chord and run the scale. Notice how the ♭4 (F♭) and ♭5 (G♭) create a "blur" of tension. Because the diminished fourth sounds like a major third (E), it allows the scale to function over dominant chords while simultaneously feeling minor due to the ♭3 (E♭).
When soloing, use the ♭5 (G♭) as your primary anchor for "outside" playing. It creates a tritone relationship with the root that is unmistakable. Resolve your lines by landing on a stable tone of the target chord, usually a perfect fifth or the root of the following resolution chord.
