Formula and Intervals of the Ab Altered Scale
Degree formula: 1 — b2 — b3 — b4 — b5 — b6 — b7. Interval pattern between adjacent degrees: 1 — 2 — 1 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2. The scale includes the following notes:
- Ab — tonic, the main anchor of the mode.
- A — spicy minor touch, characteristic of the Phrygian sound.
- B — minor third, lyrical tone and soft drama.
- C — muted shade near 4, apply with care.
- D — diminished fifth, avoid in bass for transparency.
- E — minor sixth, soft pull to 5 and warm tone.
- Gb — dominant pull toward tonic, typical of Mixolydian.
Together these degrees form the core of the Ab Altered mode and define its musical character.
Chords within the Ab Altered Scale
Below are the basic diatonic chords that naturally occur on each degree. Use them as a palette for your progressions, keep the bass stable, and highlight color tones in the upper voice.
- Abdim — 1
- Am — b2
- Bm — b3
- Caug — b4
- D — b5
- E — b6
- Gbdim — b7
This set forms a solid modal framework: combine triads and seventh chords, add 9/11/13 for color, and separate 3rds from 11ths for cleaner harmony.
Alternative Names of the Ab Altered Scale
This mode may appear under other names:
- Ab Super Locrian
- Ab Altered Scale
All variations point to the same modal structure.
How to Use the Ab Altered Scale
Keep colors on top (#9/b9/#5/b5), separate from 3 and b7. Use as a tense V7alt before resolving to I. Tritone substitutions can smooth the motion.
Conclusion
Ab Altered is a recognizable mode with clear logic of use. Study the formula and intervals, keep color tones in the top voice, build diatonic chords, and try integrating the mode into your own progressions — this way you’ll develop a confident and expressive sound faster.
