Altered dominant

Definition

An altered dominant is a type of chord that includes one or more altered notes, typically the fifth, ninth, or thirteenth. This alteration introduces tension and color to the dominant chord, creating a stronger resolution when moving to the tonic chord. These chords are crucial in jazz and classical music, providing unique harmonic movement and complexity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Altered dominant chords typically include alterations like a flat fifth (b5), sharp fifth (#5), flat ninth (b9), or sharp ninth (#9).
2. They create heightened tension in a progression, making the eventual resolution to the tonic feel more satisfying.
3. Commonly notated as 'V7alt' or similar symbols in lead sheets, altered dominants are prevalent in jazz standards.
4. These chords can often be substituted for regular dominant chords to add more color and variety to a progression.
5. Understanding how to voice and resolve altered dominants is essential for improvisation and composition in contemporary music.

Review Questions

• How do altered dominants differ from regular dominant seventh chords in their function within harmonic progressions?
  • Altered dominants differ from regular dominant seventh chords primarily through the inclusion of altered tones that create increased tension. While a standard dominant seventh chord provides a strong pull toward the tonic, an altered dominant introduces colors like flat or sharp ninths, which intensify this pull. This added tension results in a more compelling resolution when moving to the tonic chord.
• Discuss the role of altered dominant chords in jazz harmony and how they contribute to musical expression.
  • In jazz harmony, altered dominant chords play a pivotal role by adding complexity and expressiveness to musical phrases. They serve as a powerful tool for improvisation, allowing musicians to explore tension before resolving it. The ability to incorporate altered dominants gives jazz musicians a wider palette of sounds, enabling them to create richer emotional landscapes and more sophisticated harmonic structures.
• Evaluate the significance of altered dominant chords in both classical and contemporary music settings, considering their impact on compositional techniques.
  • Altered dominant chords hold significant importance in both classical and contemporary music due to their ability to enhance harmonic complexity and create dramatic tension. In classical settings, they are often used sparingly but effectively within modulations and resolutions. In contrast, contemporary music styles such as jazz and fusion frequently embrace these chords for their dynamic potential. By analyzing how composers employ altered dominants across different genres, one can appreciate their versatility as a vital element in shaping musical narratives and engaging listeners.

Related terms

Dominant Seventh Chord: A four-note chord consisting of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh, often used in harmonic progressions.

Tension and Resolution: A musical concept where dissonance created by altered chords leads to consonance as it resolves to stable chords.

Jazz Harmony: A style of harmony characterized by the use of extended chords, altered dominants, and complex chord progressions commonly found in jazz music.