5.5 Extended and altered chords
10 min read•august 20, 2024
Extended and altered chords add depth and complexity to music. They're built by stacking thirds beyond the seventh or modifying chord tones. These chords create rich harmonies and tension, expanding the palette of sounds available to composers and performers.
Understanding extended and altered chords is crucial for advanced musicianship. They're commonly used in jazz, but appear in various genres. Mastering these chords opens up new possibilities for composition, improvisation, and harmonic analysis across musical styles.
Types of extended chords
- Extended chords are formed by adding notes beyond the seventh degree of a chord, creating a richer harmonic texture
- Extended chords can be used to add complexity and color to a composition, providing a wider palette of sounds for the composer or improviser to work with
Seventh chords
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- Seventh chords are the foundation of extended harmony and are formed by adding the seventh degree of the scale to a triad
- Common types of seventh chords include major seventh (Cmaj7), dominant seventh (C7), minor seventh (Cm7), and half-diminished seventh (Cm7b5)
- Seventh chords can function as tonic, , or dominant chords depending on their quality and context
Ninth chords
- Ninth chords are created by adding the ninth degree of the scale to a seventh chord
- Common ninth chords include dominant ninth (C9), major ninth (Cmaj9), and minor ninth (Cm9)
- Ninth chords can add a sense of openness and spaciousness to a chord progression
Eleventh chords
- Eleventh chords are formed by adding the eleventh degree of the scale to a ninth chord
- Common eleventh chords include dominant eleventh (C11) and minor eleventh (Cm11)
- Eleventh chords can create a sense of tension and , especially when the eleventh is played against the third of the chord
Thirteenth chords
- Thirteenth chords are the most extended chords, formed by adding the thirteenth degree of the scale to an eleventh chord
- Common thirteenth chords include dominant thirteenth (C13) and major thirteenth (Cmaj13)
- Thirteenth chords can provide a lush, complex harmonic texture and are often used as tonic or subdominant chords in jazz and other styles
Construction of extended chords
- Extended chords are built by stacking thirds on top of a basic triad or seventh chord, creating a more complex and colorful harmony
- Understanding the construction of extended chords is essential for composers, arrangers, and improvisers who want to create rich and expressive harmonic progressions
Stacking thirds
- Extended chords are constructed by stacking thirds above a basic triad or seventh chord
- For example, a C9 chord is built by stacking thirds from the root (C E G B D)
- Stacking thirds allows for the creation of a wide variety of extended chords with different qualities and tensions
Chord formulas
- Chord formulas provide a shorthand way of describing the construction of extended chords
- For example, a dominant ninth chord formula is 1 3 5 b7 9, indicating the intervals above the root
- Chord formulas can be used to quickly build and identify extended chords in any key
Voicing options
- Extended chords can be voiced in various ways, depending on the desired sound and context
- Close voicings stack the chord tones close together, creating a dense and compact sound (C E G B D)
- Open voicings spread the chord tones out over a wider range, creating a more spacious and airy sound (C G D E B)
- Drop voicings omit certain chord tones to create a more streamlined and focused sound (C G B D)
Function of extended chords
- Extended chords serve various functions within a harmonic progression, adding complexity and interest to the music
- Understanding the function of extended chords is crucial for creating effective and expressive chord progressions in any style
Dominant function
- Extended dominant chords, such as ninth and thirteenth chords, are used to create tension and drive the harmony towards a resolution
- Dominant extended chords often contain the tritone interval (b7 and 3), which creates a strong pull towards the tonic
- Examples of dominant extended chords include C9, C13, and C7#11
Tonic function
- Extended tonic chords, such as major ninth and major thirteenth chords, are used to provide a sense of stability and resolution
- Tonic extended chords often contain the major seventh interval, which creates a sense of openness and consonance
- Examples of tonic extended chords include Cmaj9 and Cmaj13
Subdominant function
- Extended subdominant chords, such as minor eleventh and half-diminished chords, are used to create a sense of tension and movement away from the tonic
- Subdominant extended chords often contain the perfect fourth interval, which creates a sense of departure from the tonic
- Examples of subdominant extended chords include Fm11 and Bm7b5
Types of altered chords
- Altered chords are created by modifying the intervals of a basic chord, often by raising or lowering certain scale degrees
- Altered chords add tension, color, and complexity to a harmonic progression and are commonly used in jazz and other advanced harmonic styles
Altered dominant chords
- chords are created by modifying the upper extensions of a dominant seventh chord (9th, 11th, or 13th)
- Common altered dominant chords include the dominant seventh sharp ninth (C7#9), dominant seventh flat ninth (C7b9), and dominant seventh sharp fifth (C7#5)
- Altered dominant chords create a sense of tension and instability, often resolving to a tonic or subdominant chord
Altered subdominant chords
- Altered subdominant chords are created by modifying the intervals of a subdominant chord, such as a minor seventh or half-diminished seventh chord
- Common altered subdominant chords include the minor seventh flat fifth (Fm7b5) and the half-diminished seventh with a raised eleventh (Bm7b5#11)
- Altered subdominant chords create a sense of tension and movement away from the tonic, often resolving to a dominant or tonic chord
Borrowed chords
- Borrowed chords are chords that are "borrowed" from a parallel key or mode, often creating a sense of color and contrast within a harmonic progression
- Common borrowed chords include the minor fourth chord in a major key (IVm in C major) and the major flat sixth chord in a minor key (bVI in C minor)
- Borrowed chords can add variety and interest to a harmonic progression, often creating a sense of temporary tonal ambiguity
Alterations in extended chords
- Alterations in extended chords involve modifying the intervals of the chord to create new colors and tensions
- Understanding the possibilities for alteration in extended chords is essential for creating unique and expressive harmonic progressions
Raising the fifth
- Raising the fifth of an extended chord creates a sense of brightness and tension, often leading to a resolution
- Common chords with a raised fifth include the dominant seventh sharp fifth (C7#5) and the major ninth sharp fifth (Cmaj9#5)
- Raising the fifth can also be combined with other alterations, such as the dominant seventh sharp fifth flat ninth (C7#5b9)
Lowering the fifth
- Lowering the fifth of an extended chord creates a sense of darkness and tension, often leading to a resolution
- Common chords with a lowered fifth include the dominant seventh flat fifth (C7b5) and the minor ninth flat fifth (Cm9b5)
- Lowering the fifth can also be combined with other alterations, such as the dominant seventh flat fifth sharp ninth (C7b5#9)
Adding tensions
- Adding tensions to an extended chord involves including notes beyond the seventh, such as the ninth, eleventh, or thirteenth
- Common tensions include the sharp eleventh (C7#11), flat thirteenth (C7b13), and sharp ninth (C7#9)
- Adding tensions can create a sense of complexity and dissonance, often resolving to a simpler chord or tonic
Notation of extended and altered chords
- Extended and altered chords can be notated in various ways, depending on the context and the level of detail required
- Understanding the different notation systems for extended and altered chords is essential for effective communication between musicians
Chord symbols
- Chord symbols are a shorthand way of notating chords, often used in lead sheets and jazz charts
- Extended chords are notated by adding the extensions to the basic chord symbol (Cmaj7, C9, C11, C13)
- Altered chords are notated by adding the alterations to the basic chord symbol (C7#5, C7b9, C7#11)
Figured bass
- Figured bass is a notation system used in Baroque music, indicating the intervals above the bass note
- Extended chords can be notated using figured bass by stacking the intervals above the bass (C: 7 9 11 13)
- Altered chords can be notated using figured bass by including accidentals (C: 7 #5 b9)
Lead sheet notation
- Lead sheet notation is a simplified way of notating chords, often used in popular music and jazz
- Extended chords are notated by adding the extensions to the basic chord symbol (Cmaj7, C9, C11, C13)
- Altered chords are notated by adding the alterations to the basic chord symbol (C7#5, C7b9, C7#11)
Extended vs altered chords
- Extended and altered chords are both used to create harmonic complexity and interest, but they differ in their construction and function
- Understanding the differences between extended and altered chords is essential for creating effective and expressive harmonic progressions
Differences in construction
- Extended chords are created by stacking thirds above a basic triad or seventh chord (Cmaj7, C9, C11, C13)
- Altered chords are created by modifying the intervals of a basic chord, often by raising or lowering certain scale degrees (C7#5, C7b9, C7#11)
Differences in function
- Extended chords often serve a tonic or subdominant function, providing a sense of stability or movement away from the tonic
- Altered chords often serve a , creating tension and leading towards a resolution to the tonic
Combined usage
- Extended and altered chords can be combined to create even greater harmonic complexity and interest
- For example, a dominant thirteenth chord with a flat ninth and sharp eleventh (C13b9#11) combines extensions and alterations
- Combining extended and altered chords can create unique and expressive harmonic colors, often used in advanced jazz and contemporary classical music
Resolution of extended and altered chords
- Extended and altered chords often create a sense of tension and instability, requiring resolution to a more stable chord
- Understanding the common resolution patterns for extended and altered chords is essential for creating effective and satisfying harmonic progressions
Voice leading principles
- Voice leading principles dictate the smoothest and most efficient way to move from one chord to another
- Common voice leading principles include moving voices by the smallest possible interval and avoiding parallel fifths and octaves
- Effective voice leading can create a sense of coherence and continuity in a harmonic progression
Common resolutions
- Extended and altered chords often resolve to a chord a fifth below, known as a "circle of fifths" resolution (C13 resolves to F, Dm7b5 resolves to G)
- Altered dominant chords often resolve to a tonic chord (C7#5 resolves to F, C7b9 resolves to F)
- Extended tonic chords often serve as a point of resolution and stability (Cmaj9 as a tonic chord)
Deceptive resolutions
- Deceptive resolutions involve resolving an extended or altered chord to an unexpected chord, often creating a sense of surprise or harmonic interest
- Common deceptive resolutions include resolving a dominant chord to a submediant chord (C7 resolves to Am) or a subdominant chord (C7 resolves to Fm)
- Deceptive resolutions can add variety and complexity to a harmonic progression, often used in more advanced musical styles
Extended and altered chords in context
- Extended and altered chords are used in various musical contexts, each with its own conventions and stylistic considerations
- Understanding how extended and altered chords are used in different musical styles is essential for creating authentic and effective harmonic progressions
Jazz harmony
- Jazz harmony makes extensive use of extended and altered chords, often as part of complex chord progressions and improvisations
- Common jazz chord progressions include the (Dm7 G7 Cmaj7) and the turnaround progression (Cmaj7 A7 Dm7 G7)
- Jazz musicians often use extended and altered chords as a basis for melodic and harmonic improvisation
Pop and rock music
- Pop and rock music often use extended and altered chords to add color and interest to simple harmonic progressions
- Common extended chords in pop and rock include the major seventh chord (Cmaj7) and the dominant ninth chord (C9)
- Altered chords in pop and rock often include the dominant seventh sharp ninth chord (C7#9) and the minor seventh flat fifth chord (Cm7b5)
Classical music
- Classical music often uses extended and altered chords as part of a larger harmonic language, often in combination with other techniques such as modulation and chromaticism
- Extended chords in classical music often include the dominant ninth chord (V9) and the half-diminished seventh chord (ii7b5)
- Altered chords in classical music often include the Neapolitan sixth chord (bII6) and the augmented sixth chords (Italian, French, and German)
Practicing extended and altered chords
- Practicing extended and altered chords is essential for developing fluency and mastery of advanced harmonic concepts
- There are various ways to practice extended and altered chords, each with its own benefits and challenges
Chord progressions
- Practicing chord progressions that include extended and altered chords can help develop harmonic fluency and understanding
- Common chord progressions to practice include the ii-V-I progression with extensions (Dm9 G13 Cmaj9) and the turnaround progression with alterations (Cmaj7 A7b9 Dm7b5 G7#5)
- Practicing chord progressions in all keys can help develop transposition skills and harmonic flexibility
Improvisation exercises
- Improvising over extended and altered chords can help develop melodic and harmonic creativity
- Common improvisation exercises include playing chord tones, playing scales and modes that fit the chord, and playing arpeggios and patterns
- Improvising over backing tracks or with other musicians can help develop interactive skills and musical communication
Ear training drills
- Ear training drills can help develop the ability to recognize and identify extended and altered chords by ear
- Common ear training drills include identifying chord qualities (major, minor, dominant, etc.), identifying extensions and alterations (ninth, sharp eleventh, flat thirteenth, etc.), and transcribing chord progressions from recordings
- Regular ear training practice can help develop a strong connection between theoretical understanding and musical perception.
Key Terms to Review (20)
11th chord: An 11th chord is a type of extended chord that includes the root, third, fifth, seventh, and eleventh degrees of a scale. It builds on the seventh chord by adding an additional note, the eleventh, which creates a richer and more complex sound. This chord is commonly used in jazz and contemporary music to add color and tension to harmonic progressions.
13th chord: A 13th chord is a complex chord that includes the root, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth scale degrees of a given scale. This chord is an extension of the seventh chord, allowing for richer harmonies and greater expressive possibilities in music. By adding more tones beyond the basic triad and seventh chords, the 13th chord enhances harmonic depth and color in compositions.
9th chord: A 9th chord is an extended chord that adds the ninth note of a scale to a seventh chord, creating a richer and more complex harmonic structure. It typically includes the root, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth degrees of a scale, which can provide additional color and tension to musical progressions. Understanding 9th chords is essential for recognizing how they expand upon triads and seventh chords, and how they can be altered to create varied musical expressions.
Altered dominant: An altered dominant is a type of chord that includes one or more altered notes, typically the fifth, ninth, or thirteenth. This alteration introduces tension and color to the dominant chord, creating a stronger resolution when moving to the tonic chord. These chords are crucial in jazz and classical music, providing unique harmonic movement and complexity.
Bill Evans: Bill Evans was a highly influential American jazz pianist and composer known for his unique approach to harmony and his innovative use of extended and altered chords. His playing style combined lyrical melodies with rich harmonic textures, which significantly impacted the jazz genre and the way musicians harmonize melodies and create accompaniments in various styles.
Blues progression: A blues progression is a specific chord sequence commonly used in blues music, typically following a 12-bar format with a repetitive pattern of I, IV, and V chords. This structure provides a foundation for improvisation and expression, allowing musicians to explore different melodies and rhythms within a consistent harmonic framework. The blues progression is essential in understanding various musical styles, influencing genres like jazz, rock, and R&B.
Chord Extensions: Chord extensions refer to the addition of notes beyond the basic triad that make up a chord, typically including the 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th degrees. These extensions enrich the harmonic texture and create more complex and colorful sounds, often found in jazz and contemporary music. By incorporating these additional tones, musicians can add depth and emotion to their compositions or improvisations.
Dissonance: Dissonance refers to a combination of notes that creates a sense of tension or instability, often requiring resolution to a more stable sound. It is an essential aspect of music that can enhance emotional expression and drive harmonic progression, making it closely linked to intervals, scales, chords, and non-chord tones.
Dominant function: The dominant function refers to the role played by the fifth scale degree in a tonal context, primarily serving as a point of tension that resolves to the tonic. This function is crucial for establishing harmonic direction and creating a sense of resolution in music. It often involves the use of dominant chords that lead back to the home chord, generating a feeling of completeness and closure in a musical phrase.
Drop 2 voicing: Drop 2 voicing is a technique used in music to create chord voicings by taking the second highest note of a chord and lowering it an octave. This method results in a more open sound and allows for smoother voice leading, especially useful in the context of extended and altered chords where complex harmonies are common. By rearranging notes this way, musicians can achieve a rich harmonic texture while maintaining a manageable range for instruments or voices.
Flat 5: Flat 5 refers to the lowered fifth degree of a scale or chord, typically used to create tension and dissonance in music. This alteration is commonly found in jazz and contemporary styles, where it can enhance the complexity of extended and altered chords, giving them a unique flavor. The flat 5 can dramatically affect the harmonic movement within a piece, influencing how chords resolve and interact.
Ii-v-i progression: The ii-v-i progression is a common chord sequence in tonal music, where the ii chord (supertonic) resolves to the v chord (dominant) and finally to the i chord (tonic). This progression creates a strong sense of movement and resolution, often used in various styles, particularly in jazz and classical music. Understanding this progression is crucial for identifying chord qualities, working with extended and altered chords, analyzing seventh chords and their inversions, and recognizing triads and their inversions.
Jazz harmony techniques: Jazz harmony techniques refer to the various methods used in jazz music to create and manipulate harmonic structures. These techniques often involve the use of extended and altered chords, which add color and complexity to chord progressions. By incorporating these harmonic elements, musicians can achieve a richer sound and create more dynamic musical expressions.
Modal interchange: Modal interchange is the technique of borrowing chords from parallel modes to enrich harmonic progressions. This process allows composers to create unexpected color and emotional depth in their music, enhancing the overall sound by introducing chords that may not typically belong to the original key. Modal interchange opens up a variety of expressive possibilities by combining elements from different modal frameworks, making it a powerful tool for both composition and improvisation.
Richness of sound: Richness of sound refers to the fullness and depth of musical tones, often created through the use of complex harmonies and a variety of pitches. This concept is particularly relevant when discussing how extended and altered chords enhance the texture of music, allowing for more emotional expression and intricate sonorities. The richness of sound can transform a simple melody into a vibrant, multi-dimensional auditory experience.
Sharp 9: A sharp 9 is an altered tone that appears in jazz and contemporary harmony, typically derived from the dominant 7th chord. This note is created by raising the 9th scale degree, resulting in a dissonant sound that enhances the tension within the chord progression. The sharp 9 can be used to create interesting harmonic colors and is often found in extended and altered chords, contributing to the overall richness of musical textures.
Shell Voicing: Shell voicing is a chord voicing technique that involves playing only the essential notes of a chord while omitting some of the upper or lower notes, particularly in extended or altered chords. This method helps to simplify complex chords, making them easier to play and allowing for a clearer harmonic structure. Shell voicing often includes the root, third, and seventh of a chord, which provides a strong harmonic foundation while reducing clutter in the overall sound.
Subdominant: The subdominant is the fourth scale degree in a diatonic scale and serves as an important harmonic function, typically providing a sense of movement away from the tonic while creating tension that leads back to it. This term is crucial in understanding chord relationships and progressions, as the subdominant chord plays a significant role in shaping the musical landscape by preparing for the dominant and returning to the tonic.
Tension and resolution: Tension and resolution refers to the musical concept where tension builds up through harmonic, melodic, or rhythmic elements, and then resolves to a more stable or restful state. This interplay is essential in creating emotional depth and movement in music, as tension invites anticipation and resolution provides closure. It can be expressed through various techniques such as dissonance and consonance, with specific structures like modes, extended chords, and interval inversions enhancing the overall musical narrative.
Thelonious Monk: Thelonious Monk was an influential American jazz pianist and composer, known for his unique improvisational style and distinctive approach to harmony and rhythm. His innovative use of whole-tone and octatonic scales, along with extended and altered chords, has had a lasting impact on modern jazz music. Monk's compositions and performances often challenged conventional norms, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of jazz.