EXERCISE FIVE

Now that you’ve become a little more proficient in the delivery, it’s time to investigate the actual melodic application of the Altered scale. The Altered scale is associated with Altered Dom7th chords, which are utilised in the same way as any other Dom7th chord – as a V7 in an authentic cadence. Although the functionality is the same, Altered Dom7th chords simply produce far more tension and drama than a regular Dom7th. Essentially, in an Altered Dom7th chord all of the chord tones and extensions appear either sharpened or flattened, except those of the 3rd and 7th, which are essential to the overall construction of dominant vocabulary. More commonly, Altered Dom7ths are presented with either a b 5th or #5th, b 9th and/or #9th. Exercise 5 is a rudimental motif which focuses on these pitches, so you can get an overall feel for their sonic resonance.