A#alt

Q: What notes are in the A#alt chord?

The A#alt chord (A# Altered) contains: A#, D, E, G#, B. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build A#alt 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 A#alt 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 A#alt?

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

ChordA#altA# 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: A#alt
Root: A#
Quality: Altered

Chord notes

1A#root

3Dmajor 3rd

b5Edim 5th

b7G#minor 7th

b2Bminor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: D#D# Major CmC Minor
Unstable degrees: 3D
4D#
resolves up to the resolution tonic
4D#
b5E
resolves inward to the resolution tonic
6G
b7G#
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
1A#
b2B
resolves down to the tonic 5th
Main resolution: A#altsource
D#D# Major
Dominant 7th A#7 naturally resolves up a 4th to D#. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: A#altsource
Deceptive resolution
CmC Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
A#altsource
Modal resolution
G#G# Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
A#altsource
Jazz reharmonization
E7E Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: A#7 can be replaced by E7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
A#altsource
Functional resolution
A#sus4A# 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: E7E 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#(A#4)Bass

root

v2D(D5)M3from A#

v3E(E5)M2from D

v4G#(G#5)M3from E

v5B(B5)m3from G#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how A#alt looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: GmG minor
Dominant: FF major
Subdominant: EbEb major
Key signature: 2 flats (Bb, Eb)

What to learn next

ScaleBb 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

Bb Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Bb Enigmatic scaleA scale related to this chord

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

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the A#alt chord?

How do I build A#alt on the keyboard?

Which keys is A#alt found in?

What can I substitute for A#alt?