Altered chord

Definition

An altered chord is a chord that has been modified by changing one or more of its notes, often to create tension or color in a harmonic progression. These modifications typically involve altering the fifth or seventh degree of the chord, such as raising or lowering these pitches, to create a more complex sound. Altered chords are frequently used in jazz and other genres to enhance secondary dominants and facilitate modulation between keys.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Altered chords are commonly represented with symbols indicating which notes are modified, such as '7#9' for a dominant seventh chord with a raised ninth.
2. These chords add color and complexity to progressions, enhancing expressiveness and emotional impact in musical compositions.
3. In jazz, altered chords are frequently used to create movement towards resolutions, often appearing before a return to the tonic chord.
4. When using altered chords, musicians often resolve them to stable diatonic chords, creating a satisfying contrast between tension and resolution.
5. Altered chords can serve as pivot points in modulation, allowing composers to smoothly transition between different key areas within a piece.

Review Questions

• How do altered chords function within the context of secondary dominants?
  • Altered chords function as heightened versions of secondary dominants by introducing tension that leads into a resolution. When a secondary dominant is altered, it intensifies the pull towards the diatonic chord it targets, making the eventual arrival at that chord feel more impactful. For example, an altered V7 chord can effectively create stronger expectations for the tonicization of its corresponding chord.
• In what ways do altered chords contribute to modulation in music composition?
  • Altered chords contribute to modulation by creating transitional moments that prepare listeners for a change in key. When composers use altered chords strategically before modulating to a new key, they enhance the sense of movement and establish connections between different tonal areas. This technique helps smooth out transitions and makes shifts in harmony feel more cohesive and intentional.
• Evaluate how altered chords affect the emotional impact of a musical piece, particularly in genres like jazz.
  • Altered chords significantly amplify the emotional impact of a musical piece by introducing unexpected tensions that evoke strong feelings. In genres like jazz, where expressiveness is key, these chords allow performers to explore deeper emotional landscapes. The use of altered chords creates moments of anticipation and release, drawing listeners into an immersive experience where they can feel the weight of tension followed by satisfying resolutions. This interplay enhances overall narrative and mood in the music.

Related terms

Secondary dominant: A secondary dominant is the dominant chord (V) of a diatonic chord other than the tonic, leading to a temporary modulation or tonicization of that chord.

Tension: Tension refers to the sense of instability or unresolved sound created by certain chord alterations, often resolved by subsequent harmonic movement.

Diatonic harmony: Diatonic harmony is based on the notes and chords derived from a specific key signature, following the natural scale structure without any alterations.