Altered Scale Quick Tutorial for Jazz Guitarists - Improvisation

Mastering the Altered Scale: A Fun and Informative Guide for Jazz Guitarists

Hey guys, this is Marc back here again with you, and today we're diving deep into the altered scale. If you've been following along with our lessons on the diminished scale, this will be a smooth transition. We'll adopt a simple approach on the fretboard to help you start adding chromaticism to your improvisation. So, let's get going!

Why the Altered Scale?

The altered scale, also known as the super Locrian scale, is a powerful tool for jazz guitarists. It allows you to add tension and dissonance to your solos, especially over dominant chords. By mastering this scale, you'll be able to create more interesting and complex lines in your improvisation.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Altered Scale

1. Visualize the Root

Start by visualizing the root note of your G7 chord. For example, the G note on your top string. The basic G7 shell includes the root (G), the 7th (F), and the 3rd (B natural).

2. Identify the Altered Notes

The altered scale includes four "bad guys": ♭9, #9, ♭5, and #5. Visualize these notes on your fretboard:
- ♭9 (A♭)
- #9 (A♯)
- ♭5 (D♭)
- #5 (D♯)

3. Build the Scale

Now, let's put the rest of the scale together. The altered scale has seven notes:
- Root (G)
- ♭9 (A♭)
- #9 (A♯)
- 3rd (B)
- ♭5 (D♭)
- #5 (D♯)
- 7th (F)

4.Practice the Scale

Play the scale consecutively to get comfortable with the fingerings. For example:

5. Advanced Fingerings

Once you're comfortable with the basic fingerings, try more advanced positions. For instance, start with the root on the third finger and visualize the scale across the top three strings.

Applying the Altered Scale in Improvisation

The altered scale is perfect for adding chromaticism to your solos over dominant chords. For example, in a ii-V-I progression in the key of C minor (D minor 7♭5 - G7 altered - C minor), use the altered scale over the G7 chord to create tension and resolve it to the C minor chord.

Theory Behind the Altered Scale

The altered scale is the seventh mode of the melodic minor scale. For example, G altered is the same as A♭ melodic minor starting on G. This scale includes all the altered notes (♭9, #9, ♭5, and #5) and is also known as the super Locrian scale.

Practical Tips

Recording and Reviewing. Record yourself playing the altered scale and review the video to identify areas for improvement.
One-String Approach. Practice the scale on one string at a time to see it more musically and avoid bad fingerings.
Join a Jam Session. Apply what you've learned in a real-life jam session to gain confidence and experience.

Conclusion

The altered scale is a powerful tool in jazz guitar, used primarily over dominant chords to add tension with its altered notes (b9, #9, #11, b13). Derived from the 7th mode of the melodic minor scale, it resolves beautifully to tonic chords in ii-V-I progressions. Guitarists can apply it in both improvisation and chord voicings, creating sophisticated harmonic and melodic tension. Enjoy!