C# Altered Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open E tuning — fretboard diagram
C# Altered in Open E — Notes and Intervals
The C# Altered scale is the ultimate dominant scale in jazz. On Guitar, its notes are C#, D, E, F, G, A, B. 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: C#, D, E, F, G, A, B
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: Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
Also known as: super locrian, diminished whole tone, pomeroy
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- C# Altered in Standard Tuning
- C# Altered in Drop D
- C# Altered in DADGAD
- C# Altered in Open G
- C# Altered in Baritone (B Standard)
- C# Altered in 7-string
- C# Altered in 8-string
- C# Altered in Drop C
- C# Altered in Drop B
- C# Altered in Open D
- C# Altered in Half Step Down
- C# Altered in Open A
- C# Altered in Double Drop D
- C# Altered in Open C