What does altered mean in music? The term “altered” in music refers to a musical technique that involves modifying a note to create a unique and expressive sound. This technique is often used in various genres, including jazz, rock, and blues, to add depth and complexity to a piece. In this article, we will explore the concept of altered notes, their significance in music, and how they contribute to the overall sound of a composition.
Altered notes are essentially notes that have been modified from their original form. In Western music, each note has a specific frequency and pitch, and altering these notes can create a variety of effects. The most common type of alteration is the addition of a minor second or a major second to a note, which is known as a “blue note” in jazz. Blue notes are characterized by their distinctive flatness or sharpness, and they are often used to convey a sense of longing or melancholy.
In the context of jazz, altered notes are a fundamental element of the genre. Jazz musicians often use altered scales, such as the altered dominant scale, to create a rich and complex harmonic palette. The altered dominant scale consists of seven notes, with the third, fifth, and seventh degrees of the scale being altered. This scale allows musicians to explore a wide range of harmonies and melodies, resulting in a unique and expressive sound.
In rock music, altered notes are often used to create a more aggressive and powerful sound. Guitarists, for example, may use altered tunings or bend notes to achieve a distinctive tone. This technique is particularly effective in heavy metal and hard rock, where the altered notes contribute to the overall intensity and energy of the music.
The use of altered notes in blues music is also significant. The blues scale, which is a combination of the major pentatonic scale and altered notes, is the foundation of many blues songs. The altered notes in the blues scale, such as the flattened third and fifth, add a sense of tension and release, which is essential to the emotional expression of the genre.
Altered notes can also be found in classical music, where composers have used them to create new and innovative sounds. For example, Arnold Schoenberg’s twelve-tone technique involves the use of altered notes to create a unique harmonic structure.
In conclusion, the term “altered” in music refers to the modification of a note to create a distinctive and expressive sound. Altered notes are an essential element in various genres, including jazz, rock, and blues, and they contribute to the overall complexity and depth of a composition. Whether used to convey a sense of longing, intensity, or innovation, altered notes play a significant role in the world of music.
