Altered Scale

The altered scale, also known as the super Locrian scale, is a seven-note scale that is derived from the melodic minor scale. It is used to create tension and dissonance in jazz and fusion music, often over dominant seventh chords.

Structure of the Altered Scale

The altered scale follows the pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) as follows:


H - W - H - W - W - W - W

Example: G Altered Scale

The G altered scale consists of the following notes:


G - A♭ - B♭ - B - D♭ - E♭ - F - G

Sound and Character

The altered scale has a tense and dissonant sound due to the presence of multiple altered tones. It is often used to create a sense of tension and resolution in jazz and fusion music.

Applications of the Altered Scale

The altered scale is used in various musical contexts, including:

  • Melody: Creating tense and dissonant melodies.
  • Harmony: Adding tension and resolution to chord progressions.
  • Improvisation: Soloing with a tense, altered sound.

Chords Derived from the Altered Scale

The altered scale can be used to derive the following chords:

  • Altered dominant seventh chords (e.g., G7♯9, G7♭9, G7♯5, G7♭5)

Songs That Use the Altered Scale

Here are some songs that use the altered scale:

  • "Giant Steps" by John Coltrane
  • "Moment's Notice" by John Coltrane
  • "Freedom Jazz Dance" by Eddie Harris
  • "Donna Lee" by Charlie Parker
  • "Spain" by Chick Corea
  • "All the Things You Are" by Jerome Kern

Practice Exercises

Here are some practice exercises to help you get familiar with the altered scale:

  1. Play the G altered scale on your instrument, ascending and descending.
  2. Write out the notes of the altered scale in different keys and play them on your instrument.
  3. Practice improvising using the altered scale to create tense and dissonant sounds.
  4. Compose a short melody using the altered scale and play it on your instrument.
  5. Analyze a piece of music that uses the altered scale and identify the scale's role in the composition.
  6. Practice playing altered dominant seventh chords derived from the altered scale in different keys.
  7. Improvise a solo using the altered scale over a backing track in a jazz or fusion style.
  8. Transcribe a solo or melody that uses the altered scale and play it on your instrument.
  9. Create a chord progression using altered dominant seventh chords and play it on your instrument.
  10. Experiment with combining the altered scale with other scales in your improvisation.

 

 

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