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Mastering altered dominants is a crucial skill for jazz pianists and keyboard players aiming to add tension and color to their improvisations and compositions. These chords, which include altered fifths and ninths, create a sense of unresolved tension that demands careful application and resolution.
Understanding Altered Dominants
Altered dominants are dominant seventh chords that include altered extensions such as b9, #9, b5, or #5. They are typically built on the V7 chord and resolve to the I chord, creating a strong pull that is essential in jazz harmony.
Common Altered Dominant Chords
- G7b9 (G – B – D – F – Ab)
- G7#9 (G – B – D – F – A#)
- G7b5 (G – B – Db – F)
- G7#5 (G – B – D# – F)
Practical Tips for Applying Altered Dominants
1. Voice Leading
Focus on smooth voice leading by resolving the altered tones to chord tones in the target chord. For example, resolve #9 or b9 tones stepwise to the root or third of the resolution chord.
2. Use Altered Scales
Practice improvising using the altered scale (also known as the super Locrian mode), which is built on the root of the altered dominant. This scale includes all the altered tones and is essential for melodic development over these chords.
3. Target Strong Resolutions
Altered dominants typically resolve to the I chord. Emphasize strong resolutions by resolving altered tones to stable chord tones, such as the third or seventh of the tonic chord.
4. Practice in Context
Apply altered dominants within ii-V-I progressions in various keys. Experiment with different voicings and resolutions to develop fluency and musicality.
Example Progression
Consider the progression: Dm7 – G7#9 – Cmaj7. Practice improvising over the G7#9, emphasizing the altered tones and resolving to the Cmaj7 chord. Use the altered scale on G7#9 and target the tonic note C in the resolution.
Conclusion
Applying altered dominants effectively requires a combination of theoretical understanding and practical application. Focus on voice leading, scale practice, and contextual improvisation to incorporate these colorful chords seamlessly into your playing. With consistent practice, altered dominants will become a powerful tool in your harmonic vocabulary.