Scale · Mandolin
A Altered Scale · Mandolin
Fretboard map · Mandolin
Find every available note across the first 12 frets.
Notes
A · B♭ · B♯ · C♯ · E♭ · E♯ · G
Root: A
Intervals
1 · ♭2 · ♯2 · 3 · ♭5 · ♯5 · ♭7
How it is built
This scale starts on A and applies the intervals 1, ♭2, ♯2, 3, ♭5, ♯5, ♭7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.
Explore related combinations
Guide and musical context
About A Altered Mandolin Scale
A Altered Mandolin scale uses the notes A, B♭, B♯, C♯, E♭, E♯, G. Its character is extremely tense because it concentrates altered tones around a dominant.
Character and sound
Extremely tense because it concentrates altered tones around a dominant.
Musical context and history
The altered scale, also called Super Locrian in jazz theory, is the seventh mode of modern melodic minor. It contains the principal altered tensions available over a dominant.
How and where it is used
Use it over 7alt, 7♭9, 7♯9, 7♭5 or 7♯5 chords when maximum tension before resolution is desired.
On mandolin, fifths tuning encourages symmetric movable patterns. Unison string courses reinforce the attack, and the map helps locate the same note in different fretboard registers. Everything you see and hear on this page comes from the same note set shown above.
Harmonic and musical relationships
A practical way to understand this scale is to compare it with the major and minor scales starting on A. The altered notes are exactly what create its characteristic color.
The formula on this page is 1 · ♭2 · ♯2 · 3 · ♭5 · ♯5 · ♭7 and, from A, produces the notes A · B♭ · B♯ · C♯ · E♭ · E♯ · G.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A Altered Mandolin scale?
The notes are A, B♭, B♯, C♯, E♭, E♯, G.
What is its interval formula?
The formula is 1 · ♭2 · ♯2 · 3 · ♭5 · ♯5 · ♭7.
How does it sound and what is it used for?
Extremely tense because it concentrates altered tones around a dominant. Use it over 7alt, 7♭9, 7♯9, 7♭5 or 7♯5 chords when maximum tension before resolution is desired.
How can I check it on Mandolin?
Use the interactive diagram on this page and press Play or Note by note. The highlighted positions, written notes and playback all use the same pitch collection.