Aalt

Q: What notes are in the Aalt chord?

The Aalt chord (A Altered) contains: A, C#, Eb, G, Bb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Aalt on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Aalt found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Aalt?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

A Altered

Octaves

Musical context

ChordA majorTriad

ChordAaltA Altered

ArpeggioA majorBroken triad

ScaleA major7 notes

KeyA majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: A Altered
Symbol: Aalt
Root: A
Quality: Altered

Chord notes

1Aroot

3C#major 3rd

b5Ebdim 5th

b7Gminor 7th

b2Bbminor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: DD Major BmB Minor
Unstable degrees: 3C#
4D
resolves up to the resolution tonic
4D
b5D#
resolves inward to the resolution tonic
6F#
b7G
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
1A
b2A#
resolves down to the tonic 5th
Main resolution: Aaltsource
DD Major
Dominant 7th A7 naturally resolves up a 4th to D. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: Aaltsource
Deceptive resolution
BmB Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
Aaltsource
Modal resolution
GG Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
Aaltsource
Jazz reharmonization
D#7D# Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: A7 can be replaced by D#7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
Aaltsource
Functional resolution
Asus4A Sus4
The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: Eb7Eb Dominant 7

Features

Character: Altered dominant, dissonant
Characteristic interval: Diminished 5th (b5), Minor 7th (b7)
Description: The minor 7th establishes dominant function, while altered 5ths and extensions intensify chromatic voice leading into the next chord.
Application: V chord in jazz (alt → i)
Improvising over the altered scale
Substitution for a dominant 7th

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1A(A4)Bass

root

v2C#(C#5)M3from A

v3Eb(Eb5)M2from C#

v4G(G5)M3from Eb

v5Bb(Bb5)m3from G

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleC# Lydian augmented ScaleG Hungarian minor ScaleA Enigmatic scale ScaleA Altered (super Locrian)ScaleA# Melodic minor ScaleA# Neapolitan major ScaleD Double harmonic ScaleD Neapolitan minor ScaleD Byzantine ScaleF Mixolydian ♭6

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Aalt looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: F#mF# minor
Dominant: EE major
Subdominant: DD major
Key signature: 3 sharps (F#, C#, G#)

What to learn next

ScaleA Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

A Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

A Enigmatic scaleA scale related to this chord

A Altered (super Locrian)A scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the Aalt chord?

How do I build Aalt on the keyboard?

Which keys is Aalt found in?

What can I substitute for Aalt?