E Altered Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
E Altered Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Altered scale is the ultimate dominant scale in jazz. On Piano, its notes are E, F, G, G#, A#, C, D. 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: E, F, G, G#, A#, C, D
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
Musical Character
Contains every possible altered tension (b9, #9, b5, #5) over a dominant chord. It is the ultimate 'tension before resolution' scale — play it on V7 and resolve to I for maximum drama.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Fusion, Post-Bop, Contemporary
Notable players: John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea
How to Use the E Altered Scale
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.
Origin & Background
Also called Super Locrian or Diminished Whole Tone. The crown jewel of jazz theory — understanding this scale unlocks professional-level improvisation.
How to Play E Altered on Piano
On piano, the E Altered scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on E and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The E Altered scale contains 2 sharps (G#, A#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the E Altered scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 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 E. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes. This scale is especially effective in fusion contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the E Altered scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a dissonant quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Altered is the 7th mode of the Melodic Minor scale (Super Locrian). View E Melodic minor scale
The E Altered scale contains 7 notes (E, F, G, G#, A#, C, D). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.