C# Altered Scale is a jazz scale from the tension-driven dominant family. The 7th mode of melodic minor — 'super locrian.' Maximum tension. The Altered Scale scale contains 7 notes: C#, D, E, F, G, A, B. With a formula of 1 - b2 - b3 - 3 - b5 - #5 - b7, it uses all seven notes of the diatonic system. This advanced scale opens up sophisticated harmonic possibilities.
The C# Altered Scale scale is constructed using the interval formula 1 - b2 - b3 - 3 - b5 - #5 - b7, which means it contains the intervals Root (1), Minor Second (b2), Minor Third (b3), Major Third (3), Tritone (b5/#4), Minor Sixth (b6), Minor Seventh (b7) above the root C#. The notes are C#, D, E, F, G, A, B. Starting from the C# major scale (C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C), each interval contributes to its distinctive dominant character. Key characteristics: 7th mode of melodic minor. Every interval altered.
C# Altered Scale sounds tense, bluesy, and directional. The combination of a major third and minor seventh creates the classic dominant tension that wants to resolve. The emotional feeling is restless and expectant. Essential for blues, jazz, and any context requiring harmonic tension and resolution.
C# Altered Scale works best in Jazz, Bebop, Fusion music. Use it over dominant 7th chords for bluesy, tension-filled solos. Essential for ii-V-I jazz progressions.
Compatible chords and progressions:
1. V7alt
2. V7#9b13
Related scales:
- Whole-Half Diminished
- Lydian Dominant
- Locrian #2
Practice Routine for C# Altered Scale:
5 minutes: Play each note of the C# Altered Scale scale slowly, one at a time. Listen carefully to the character of each interval. Ascending and descending through the scale. Focus on clean, even tone on each note.
10 minutes: Practice the scale with a metronome at 60 BPM. Play one note per beat ascending, then descending. Gradually increase to two notes per beat (eighth notes) and four notes per beat (sixteenth notes). Focus on timing precision.
20 minutes: Apply the scale over a backing track in C# major. Improvise melodies using only the Altered Scale scale notes. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns, slides, bends, and vibrato. Focus on musical phrasing.
30 minutes: Learn the scale in multiple positions across the fretboard. Connect different positions with smooth transitions. Practice playing the scale over a chord progression (V7alt). Record yourself and analyze your phrasing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Playing too fast before understanding the scale's sound character
- Not listening to the intervals individually
- Ignoring the scale's unique character (each scale has a distinctive mood)
- Skipping the descending practice — descending is equally important
Advanced Tips: Explore the scale's modes and related scales. Practice with odd time signatures and asymmetric rhythms. Use the scale over non-standard chord progressions to discover new sounds.
pages.scaleDetail.frequentlyAskedQuestions
What is the C# Altered Scale scale?
C# Altered Scale is a jazz scale consisting of 7 notes: C#, D, E, F, G, A, B. The formula is 1 - b2 - b3 - 3 - b5 - #5 - b7. The 7th mode of melodic minor — 'super locrian.' Maximum tension.
What notes are in the C# Altered Scale scale?
The C# Altered Scale scale contains the notes C#, D, E, F, G, A, B. These correspond to the formula 1 - b2 - b3 - 3 - b5 - #5 - b7, which represents the intervals Root (1), Minor Second (b2), Minor Third (b3), Major Third (3), Tritone (b5/#4), Minor Sixth (b6), Minor Seventh (b7) above the root C#.
What is the formula for the C# Altered Scale scale?
The formula for the C# Altered Scale scale is 1 - b2 - b3 - 3 - b5 - #5 - b7. This means it uses the Root (1), Minor Second (b2), Minor Third (b3), Major Third (3), Tritone (b5/#4), Minor Sixth (b6), Minor Seventh (b7) intervals from the root note C#.
How do you play the C# Altered Scale scale on guitar?
To play the C# Altered Scale scale on guitar, start at the root note C# and follow the fretboard pattern. Each note corresponds to a specific fret on the guitar. Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to see all positions and fingerings.
What is the C# Altered Scale scale used for?
C# Altered Scale is commonly used in Jazz, Bebop, Fusion, Bebop music. It creates distinctive sounds for specialized musical contexts.
Is the C# Altered Scale scale the same as C# major?
No, the C# Altered Scale scale is different from C# major. C# major has the notes C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C (formula: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7), while C# Altered Scale has C#, D, E, F, G, A, B (formula: 1 - b2 - b3 - 3 - b5 - #5 - b7).
What chords go well with the C# Altered Scale scale?
Chords that work well with the C# Altered Scale scale include V7alt, V7#9b13. The scale's dominant character makes it compatible with Jazz and Bebop chord progressions.