Scale
D Altered Scale
Interactive keyboard
Highlighted notes form this scale.
Notes
D · E♭ · E♯ · F♯ · A♭ · A♯ · C
Root: D
Intervals
1 · ♭2 · ♯2 · 3 · ♭5 · ♯5 · ♭7
How it is built
This scale starts on D 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 D Altered Scale
D Altered Scale uses the notes D, E♭, E♯, F♯, A♭, A♯, C. 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.
In Theory view you can hear the pitch collection without depending on a specific fingering. Then switch to Piano, Guitar, Ukulele or Mandolin to see how the same notes are physically distributed on each instrument.
Harmonic and musical relationships
A practical way to understand this scale is to compare it with the major and minor scales starting on D. 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 D, produces the notes D · E♭ · E♯ · F♯ · A♭ · A♯ · C.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D Altered Scale?
The notes are D, E♭, E♯, F♯, A♭, A♯, C.
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.
Can I view it on a specific instrument?
Yes. Use the selector near the top to switch between Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Mandolin without changing the musical combination you are studying.