LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The judge in the murder trial of Phil Spector said on Tuesday the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the charges against the legendary rock producer.

Los Angeles Superior Court judge Larry Fidler said he may instruct the jury to go back and try to reach a verdict on a reduced charge of manslaughter.

Fidler said the jury had sent him a note on Tuesday saying it was at an impasse. The jury has been considering its verdict for seven days at Los Angeles Superior Court after a five-month trial. The split among the jury was not revealed.

Spector, 67, faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted of shooting actress Lana Clarkson in the mouth with a gun at his Los Angeles area home in February 2003.

Spector, a legendary figure in rock music for his pioneering "Wall of Sound" recording technique and work with the Beatles, The Ronettes, Tina Turner and Cher, did not testify in his own defense.

The defense argued that Clarkson shot herself in the mouth because she was depressed abut her career and her finances.

Fidler summoned attorneys for both sides to discuss case law on possibly instructing the jury to attempt to reach a verdict on manslaughter.

The jury had previously been instructed that manslaughter, or accidental death, was not an option as a verdict against Spector.