C#alt

General info

Full name

C# Altered

Symbol

C#alt

Root

C#

Quality

Altered

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

vii°Leading tone (vii°)D major

Stability / tension

High tension — requires resolution

Most common resolutions

F#F# MajorD#mD# Minor

Unstable degrees

3F

4F#

resolves up to the resolution tonic

4F#

b5G

resolves inward to the resolution tonic

6A#

b7B

resolves down to the tonic 3rd

1C#

b2D

resolves down to the tonic 5th

Main resolution

C#altsource

F#F# Major

Dominant 7th C#7 naturally resolves up a 4th to F#. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.

Other resolutions

C#altsource

Deceptive resolution

D#mD# Minor

Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.

C#altsource

Modal resolution

BB Major

In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.

C#altsource

Jazz reharmonization

G7G Dominant 7

Tritone substitution: C#7 can be replaced by G7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.

C#altsource

Functional resolution

C#sus4C# 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

G7G 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

Harmony

Compatible scales

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