D Altered Scale

mode

At a Glance

Formula:: D altered
Notes:: D, D#, F, F#, G#, A#, C

Piano

Fretboard

What It Is

The 7th mode of melodic minor, also called Super Locrian - every alterable degree relative to the major scale is flattened except the root. Notes: D, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C.

How It Functions

Contains nearly every common altered-dominant tension (b9, #9, #11, b13) against the chord's root, 3rd, and 7th.

Mood & Character

Maximally tense - the 'everything bent' scale, used specifically for its clashing, unresolved color right before a dominant chord resolves.

Real Song Examples

Real song examples aren't available yet - check back soon.

Practice This

Review this concept with a spaced-repetition flashcard.

Start Practice

Ask the Tutor

Ask the Theory Tutor anything about this concept.

Ask About This