Music theory definition
Altered chord
A dominant chord with raised or lowered 5ths or 9ths for extra tension.
Bending the extensions
: ♭9 ♯9 ♯11 ♭13 for extra bite.
Learn it in context
This term is introduced in Unit 16: Extended and altered harmony. Work through the explanations and exercises to connect the definition with music.
- Altered dominants
♭9, ♯9, ♯11 - extra tension on V.
Related music terms
- Extension
- A chord tone beyond the 7th: the 9th, 11th, or 13th.
- Tritone substitution
- Replacing a dominant 7th with the dominant 7th a tritone away (D♭7 for G7). They share the same tritone.
- Neapolitan chord
- A major chord on the lowered 2nd degree (♭II), usually in first inversion.