G# Altered Guitar Scale — Drop D
Guitar scale in Drop D tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Altered in Drop D — Notes and Intervals
The G# Altered scale is the ultimate dominant scale in jazz. On Guitar, 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
Tuning: Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
Also known as: super locrian, diminished whole tone, pomeroy
About Drop D Tuning
Drop D tuning lowers the 6th string from E to D, giving you instant access to heavy power chords with a single finger. This deceptively simple change opens up a world of heavier riffs, deeper bass notes, and new chord voicings that are impossible in standard tuning. The low D string creates a powerful foundation for rhythm playing while keeping the rest of the fretboard familiar.
Drop D is one of the most versatile alternate tunings in modern music. From the crunchy riffs of grunge and alternative rock to the thunderous breakdowns of metal, this tuning has shaped the sound of countless iconic songs. It's also surprisingly useful for fingerpicking and acoustic arrangements where you need a deep bass drone.
Notable artists: Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Killswitch Engage
Best for: Power chords, heavy riffs, drop-tuned metal rhythm, and acoustic arrangements with a deep bass drone
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G# Altered in Standard Tuning
- G# Altered in DADGAD
- G# Altered in Open G
- G# Altered in Baritone (B Standard)
- G# Altered in 7-string
- G# Altered in 8-string
- G# Altered in Drop C
- G# Altered in Drop B
- G# Altered in Open D
- G# Altered in Half Step Down
- G# Altered in Open E
- G# Altered in Open A
- G# Altered in Double Drop D
- G# Altered in Open C