F# Altered scale on piano
tense · outside · modern · unstable
About the Altered scale
Every tension a dominant chord can carry — b9, #9, b5, #5 — packed into one scale. Maximum instability, begging to resolve.
When to use it: Over V7alt chords resolving to a minor (or major) tonic in jazz.
Watch out: Anywhere the harmony is static — it exists to resolve.
Notes
Genres
Diatonic chords — tap any of them
These chords are built using only the notes of this scale — one on each degree. That's why they all sound "at home" together: they're the harmonic family of F# Altered.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the F# Altered scale?
The F# Altered scale contains the notes F#, G, A, A#, C, D, E. On this page you can see them highlighted on the instrument and hear how the scale sounds.
What does the Altered scale sound like?
Every scale has its own color. Altered is best experienced by ear — press play above to hear F# Altered and watch each note light up.
Which chords can I build from F# Altered?
The diatonic chords of F# Altered include F#dim, Gm, Am, A#aug, C, D, Edim. They all share the scale's notes, which is why they sound at home together.