V7alt
V7alt
A direct source for altered dominant tensions before resolution.
Guitar Scales · ChordRevelation
Altered Scale on Guitar — Dominant 7alt Formula & Chord Use
The Altered scale keeps the dominant 3rd and ♭7 while filling the remaining upper structure with altered tensions. It is the seventh mode of melodic minor.
Interval formula / structure1–♭9–♯9–3–♭5/♯11–♯5/♭13–♭7
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Harmony first
Where this scale fits.
ChordRevelation treats scale choice as a relationship between chord formula, function and target — not as a root-name lookup.
Dominant with altered 5ths / 9ths
Dominant with altered 5ths / 9ths
Best when the chord symbol or voicing actually supports those alterations.
Functional resolution
Functional resolution
The scale is strongest when the next chord provides clear target notes.
Fretboard practice
Turn the formula into usable guitar vocabulary.
Keep chord tones visible, compare overlays and practice toward the next chord instead of running patterns without a harmonic destination.
Practice
Track 3 and ♭7
Keep the dominant guide tones visible inside the altered collection.
Practice
Resolve altered tensions
Practice ♭9, ♯9, ♭5 and ♯5 moving into notes of the target chord.
Practice
Relate to Melodic Minor
Play melodic minor a semitone above the dominant root to access the same pitch collection.
FAQ
Quick answers.
The interval formula is the starting point; Play Over provides the real harmonic context.
What is the formula for altered scale?
1–♭9–♯9–3–♭5/♯11–♯5/♭13–♭7
How should I practice altered scale on guitar?
Connect the interval formula to chord tones and real harmonic context, then compare positions on the fretboard instead of memorizing a single box.
Can I use altered scale over every chord with the same root?
No. Scale choice depends on chord quality, harmonic function, key context and the next target chord, not only the root name.
ChordRevelation Play Over
See the scale inside the actual chord.
Open the approach on the fretboard, compare chord tones with tensions, keep multiple overlays visible and use the next chord as the resolution target.