Table of Contents
Altered dominant chords are a powerful tool in jazz harmony, used to create tension and a sense of anticipation before resolving to the tonic or other stable chords. Understanding how to incorporate these chords can greatly enhance your improvisation and composition skills.
What Are Altered Dominant Chords?
Altered dominant chords are dominant seventh chords that include altered extensions, such as b9, #9, b5, or #5. These alterations create dissonance, which adds emotional intensity and color to your playing.
How to Use Altered Dominant Chords
In jazz, altered dominant chords often function as a leading chord, creating tension that seeks resolution. They are typically used in the context of ii-V-I progressions, especially when moving to a minor or major tonic.
Common Progression
- Dm7
- G7alt
- Cmaj7
Here, the G7alt creates tension through its altered extensions and resolves smoothly to the Cmaj7 chord. This movement emphasizes the dominant’s role in tension and release.
Voicing and Improvisation Tips
When voicing altered chords, incorporate altered extensions such as b9 and #9 over the dominant. Experiment with scales like the altered scale (also known as the super Locrian) to improvise over these chords.
Altered Scale
- Root
- b2 / #1
- #2 / b3
- b3 / #4
- #4 / b5
- b6 / #5
- b7
Using this scale, improvisers can target the altered tensions and create compelling solos that highlight the dissonance and resolution characteristic of jazz harmony.
Conclusion
Altered dominant chords are essential for adding emotional depth and complexity to jazz progressions. By mastering their use in voicing and improvisation, musicians can craft more expressive and dynamic performances that captivate listeners.