The seven musical modes are Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian
These modes are variations of the major scale, but with different starting and ending notes, which gives each mode its own unique sound and character. They are also known as the church modes because they originated in medieval church music. Today, they are still used in many genres of music, including classical, pop, jazz, rock, and metal.
Altered Scale
An altered scale is a musical scale that’s a variation of the major scale, but with altered notes that give it a complex and rich sound. It’s a fundamental part of jazz and contemporary music.
Here are some characteristics of the altered scale:
Notes
The altered scale is a seven-note scale that includes the root, major third, and minor seventh of a dominant seventh chord, plus altered versions of the other chord tones.
Altered notes
The fifth is altered to a ♭5 and a ♯5, the ninth is altered to a ♭9 and a ♯9, the eleventh is altered to a ♯11, and the thirteenth is altered to a ♭13.
Sound
The altered scale sounds like a major dominant scale at some intervals, but the altered notes give it a more adventurous sound.
Uses
The altered scale is often used in jazz improvisation over dominant chords to add altered tensions and rich harmonies. The altered scale is also known as the altered dominant scale or super-Locrian scale.
