How Do You Spell ALTERED SCALE?

1. The term "altered scale" refers to a type of musical scale that is derived from the melodic minor scale. It is characterized by the presence of altered or modified tones, which are achieved by raising or lowering certain notes within the scale. The alteration introduces tension and dissonance into the scale, creating a distinct and unique sound.

   Typically, the altered scale is used in jazz and other modern genres to spice up improvisations and add a sense of unpredictability. The alterations are usually applied to the 5th and 9th degrees of the scale, resulting in augmented or diminished intervals. This produces a sense of chromaticism, as the scale incorporates both the natural and altered intervals.

   One of the primary uses of the altered scale is in chord substitution and tension building. By using the altered scale over dominant 7th chords, musicians can add tension and create a sense of longing, which can then be resolved to a more stable chord. The altered scale has a distinct sound that evokes a feeling of intensity and anticipation.

   In summary, the altered scale is a musical scale derived from the melodic minor scale, characterized by modified or altered tones. It is frequently used in jazz and modern genres to create tension and dissonance, particularly over dominant chords. The alterations in the scale introduce chromaticism and produce a unique and intense musical sound.

The term "altered scale" is derived from the concept of altering certain pitches within a scale to create a unique and distinct sound. The word "alter" comes from the Latin word "alterare", meaning "to change" or "to modify". When applied to music theory, altering a scale involves changing specific degrees (or notes) of the scale to generate various tension and dissonance, which can be desirable in certain musical contexts. Thus, the term "altered scale" refers to a scale that has been purposely modified or altered by changing one or more pitches, creating a specific sound characteristic.