G# Altered Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagram
G# Altered Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Altered scale is the ultimate dominant scale in jazz. On Mandolin, its notes are G#, A, B, C, D, E, F#. It contains every possible altered tension, making it sound extremely dissonant and complex. It is used by professional improvisers to create maximum tension over a dominant chord before a satisfying resolution. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Post-Bop, Contemporary. Notable players include John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea. Use over 7alt, 7#9, 7b9, 7#5, 7b5 chords. The definitive scale for altered dominant chords that resolve to minor. Play C Altered over C7alt resolving to Fm.
Notes: G#, A, B, C, D, E, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 2A, 3M, 4A, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 #3 4 #5 b6 b7
Formula: H-W-H-W-W-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: super locrian, diminished whole tone, pomeroy
How to Play G# Altered on Mandolin
Begin by locating G# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Altered scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The G# Altered scale contains 2 sharps (G#, F#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the G# Altered scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Exotic scales like the Altered often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on G#. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the G# Altered scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The G# Altered scale contains 7 notes (G#, A, B, C, D, E, F#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G# Altered
The G# Altered scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore G# Altered Further
- Browse chord progressions
- G# Altered on Guitar
- G# Altered on Ukulele
- G# Altered on Bass
- G# Altered on Piano