In music theory, the term “altered chord” refers to a chord that contains one or more altered tones—notes that are raised or lowered from their standard pitch within a given scale or harmonic context. Understanding what an altered chord is essential for musicians and composers seeking to add color, tension, or sophistication to their harmonic progressions.
Defining an Altered Chord
An altered chord is a chord in which one or more of its chord tones—typically the fifth or the ninth—are modified or ‘altered’ from their diatonic or standard form. These alterations involve raising or lowering specific notes, creating a dissonant or ‘colorful’ sound that often resolves into a more stable harmony. Importantly, altered chords are common in jazz, classical, and popular music, serving as tools to create tension that demands resolution.
The core idea is that an altered chord contains notes outside the basic diatonic scale, introduced to add emotional intensity or to prepare for a subsequent harmonic movement. The alterations are typically indicated in sheet music with symbols such as # (sharp) or b (flat) next to the altered tone.
Common Types of Altered Chords
- Altered Dominant Chords: These are the most common altered chords, often built on the dominant (V) degree of a key. They include altered ninths, fifths, or both, such as G7♯9, G7♭9, G7♯5, or G7♭5. These chords create tension that typically resolves to the tonic.
- Altered Tonic Chords: Less common, but sometimes used in jazz or modern harmony, these involve alterations to tonic chords for color or tension, such as a tonic minor chord with altered fifths.
- Extended Chords with Alterations: Chords like Maj7♯5 or 9♯5 often include alterations to add dissonance or interest.
How Altered Chords Are Used in Practice
Altered chords serve as a harmonic device to increase tension before resolving to a more stable harmony. They are particularly prevalent in jazz improvisation, classical cadences, and modern pop progressions.
For example, in a jazz context, a common progression might be:
- V7 chord (dominant seventh)
- Altered V7 (e.g., G7♯9 or G7♭9)
- Resolution to I chord (e.g., C major)
This sequence creates a strong sense of expectation and release, with the altered dominant acting as a ‘spice’ that heightens the listener’s anticipation of the resolution.
In classical music, composers often incorporate altered chords in cadences to heighten expressiveness. For example, a V7♯5 chord leading into the I chord increases harmonic tension, making the resolution more satisfying.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
- Are all altered chords dissonant? Not necessarily. While altered chords often contain dissonant intervals, their function is to create tension that resolves into consonance.
- Can any chord be altered? Technically, yes. Any chord can have altered tones, but in practice, alterations are most common on dominant chords due to their strong tension-release function.
- Is an altered chord the same as a diminished chord? No. Diminished chords are a specific type of chord with symmetrical intervals, whereas altered chords involve specific note modifications within a standard chord structure.
Understanding altered chords enhances harmonic vocabulary and helps musicians craft more expressive and dynamic progressions. Recognizing their function and how they resolve is key to mastering advanced harmony.
Related
- Slash Chords: What They Are and How They Work in Music
- What Is Articulation in Music? Definition, Types, and Usage
- What Is The Root Of A Chord? Explained in Music Theory