Balt

Q: What notes are in the Balt chord?

The Balt chord (B Altered) contains: B, D#, F, A, C. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Balt 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 Balt 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 Balt?

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.

B Altered

Octaves

Musical context

ChordB majorTriad

ChordBaltB Altered

ArpeggioB majorBroken triad

ScaleB major7 notes

KeyB majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: B Altered
Symbol: Balt
Root: B
Quality: Altered

Chord notes

1Broot

3D#major 3rd

b5Fdim 5th

b7Aminor 7th

b2Cminor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: EE Major C#mC# Minor
Unstable degrees: 3D#
4E
resolves up to the resolution tonic
4E
b5F
resolves inward to the resolution tonic
6G#
b7A
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
1B
b2C
resolves down to the tonic 5th
Main resolution: Baltsource
EE Major
Dominant 7th B7 naturally resolves up a 4th to E. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: Baltsource
Deceptive resolution
C#mC# Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
Baltsource
Modal resolution
AA Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
Baltsource
Jazz reharmonization
F7F Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: B7 can be replaced by F7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
Baltsource
Functional resolution
Bsus4B 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: F7F 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

v1B(B4)Bass

root

v2D#(D#5)M3from B

v3F(F5)M2from D#

v4A(A5)M3from F

v5C(C6)m3from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Balt looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: G#mG# minor
Dominant: F#F# major
Subdominant: EE major
Key signature: 5 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#)

What to learn next

ScaleB 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

B Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

B Enigmatic scaleA scale related to this chord

B 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 Balt chord?

How do I build Balt on the keyboard?

Which keys is Balt found in?

What can I substitute for Balt?