A# Altered Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio — fretboard diagram
A# Altered Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: A#, D, G#, B
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 7m, 9m
Formula: 2W-6-WH
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: alt7
The A# Altered arpeggio contains 4 notes (A#, D, G#, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the A# Altered Arpeggio
Play the A# Altered arpeggio whenever a A# Altered chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The A# Altered arpeggio uses 4 notes (A#, D, G#, B) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play A# Altered Arpeggio on Guitar
Root your A# Altered arpeggio at fret 6 on the 6th (low E), or alternatively at 1st fret on the A string. This 4-note arpeggio (A#, D, G#, B) benefits from economy picking, combining sweep and alternate picking motions. Practice isolating two-string pairs to build coordination before linking the full shape.
The A# Altered arpeggio outlines a A#Altered chord. Playing these 4 tones (A#, D, G#, B) over the matching harmony ensures your melodic lines clearly follow the chord changes.
Practice Routine
Start by playing the A# Altered arpeggio ascending and descending at 60 BPM, one note per beat, using a metronome. Once even and confident, play it in eighth notes, then triplets, keeping each note articulate. Spend at least 5 minutes daily on this before moving to musical application.
Guitar Tips
Try playing the A# Altered arpeggio on guitar by superimposing it over the corresponding A# major barre chord shape. This visual connection between chord and arpeggio helps you find arpeggio tones instantly during improvisation.
Related Resources
Explore A# Altered in Other Tunings
- A# Altered in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- A# Altered in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- A# Altered in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- A# Altered in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- A# Altered in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- A# Altered in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- A# Altered in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- A# Altered in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- A# Altered in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- A# Altered in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- A# Altered in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- A# Altered in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- A# Altered in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- A# Altered in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)