G# Altered (super Locrian)

The 7th mode of melodic minor; every dominant degree except the root and 3rd is altered.

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Name
G# Altered (super Locrian)
Family
Melodic scales
Note count
7
Step formula
H – W – H – W – W – W – W
Numeric formula
0-1-2-1-2-2-2-2

Notes & degrees

1G#root
b2Aminor 2nd
#2Baug 2nd
3B#major 3rd
b5Ddim 5th
#5Eaug 5th
b7F#minor 7th

Construction

Overview
The 7th mode of melodic minor; every dominant degree except the root and 3rd is altered.
Application in music
The seventh degree of melodic minor. Sits over V7alt (b9, #9, b5, #5).
Interval formula
G#
H
A
W
B
H
B#
W
D
W
E
W
F#

Chords by degree

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IG#nominal centretonic
IIIB#defines modal qualitythird

Typical resolutions & tensions

IG#G#
IIAA
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how G# Altered (super Locrian) looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmAbmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
4 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

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Frequently Asked Questions