Introduction: The Unique Power of the Altered Scale in Country Guitar
Country music has long been associated with twangy telecasters, pedal steel guitars, and the familiar sounds of open chords and bluesy licks. Yet, as modern country music continues to evolve, so do the techniques used by guitarists. One such technique that has gained attention is the use of the altered scale in country guitar playing. While traditionally associated with jazz and fusion, the altered scale is finding a home in country guitar solos, where it brings a rich harmonic texture and dynamic tension to songs.
The altered scale enhances country guitar solos by adding a distinct tension and character. Learn techniques, tips, and how modern players incorporate the scale into country music.
This guide delves deep into the use of the altered scale guitar in country music, explaining what it is, how it’s used, and why it’s becoming a go-to tool for modern country guitarists. Whether you’re an intermediate guitarist looking to elevate your playing or a seasoned player seeking new ideas, this article will help you navigate the altered scale’s exciting possibilities in country music.
1. What Is the Altered Scale?
The altered scale, often referred to as the super locrian or the diminished whole-tone scale, is a seven-note scale built from the seventh mode of the melodic minor scale. The altered scale is constructed by altering (flattening or sharpening) the 9th, 11th, and 13th degrees of the dominant scale, which gives it its unique, tension-filled sound. These alterations introduce notes that create dissonance and resolve back to more familiar tones, making it a great choice for adding drama to solos.
- Formula of the Altered Scale:
1, b2, b3, b4, b5, b6, b7 - Key Altered Intervals:
Flat ninth, sharp ninth, diminished fifth, and sharp fifth.
In terms of sound, the altered scale has a strong sense of tension. While it might seem out of place in a genre known for its simplicity, country guitarists use this tension to their advantage, creating exciting, unpredictable solos that feel like a rollercoaster ride.
Related Terms:
- Diminished scale
- Super Locrian mode
- Jazz scales in country music
2. The History of Scales in Country Music
Historically, country music has favored simple, diatonic scales, particularly the major scale and the pentatonic scale. The genres that heavily influenced country music, such as blues and folk, largely used these accessible scales. Early country players like Hank Williams and Chet Atkins leaned heavily on pentatonic and major scales, along with basic chord progressions to produce the familiar “country sound.” However, as the genre evolved, so did the technical aspects of guitar playing.
The introduction of Western swing, bluegrass, and rockabilly in the mid-20th century brought more complex harmonic structures to country music. Players like Merle Travis, Jerry Reed, and later Brad Paisley began to experiment with more intricate scales, chromatic passing tones, and jazz-like phrasing. In this context, the altered scale is a natural progression for country guitarists who are always looking to push the envelope in their playing.
3. How the Altered Scale Fits into Country Guitar
At first glance, the altered scale may seem foreign to the ear of a country musician. However, modern country is not just about simple chords and melodies anymore. Many songs now incorporate sophisticated harmonic structures that borrow from jazz, blues, and rock.
The altered scale finds a home particularly in dominant 7th chords, which are a staple in both country and blues. Guitarists use the scale over these chords to add tension before resolving to a more consonant sound. When applied tastefully, the altered scale enhances the emotional impact of a solo, whether it’s adding a sense of urgency or creating a temporary dissonance that grabs the listener’s attention.
Here are some specific ways the altered scale can fit into a country guitarist’s toolbox:
- Tension in Solos:
The altered scale creates tension, which can be used to add emotional depth to a solo. A guitarist can build up this tension over a dominant 7th chord before resolving back into a more familiar scale like the major or pentatonic. - Chromatic Passing Tones:
Incorporating chromaticism is a common technique in jazz, but it works beautifully in modern country too. The altered scale provides chromatic tones that can connect major scale intervals in interesting ways. - Resolving Back to the Root:
After using the altered scale, guitarists can resolve back to the tonic chord of the key, making for a satisfying musical journey.
4. Techniques for Using the Altered Scale in Country Solos
A. Mix It with Familiar Country Scales
One of the best ways to start using the altered scale is to blend it with scales you’re already familiar with, like the major scale and the minor pentatonic scale. For example, if you’re soloing over an A7 chord, you can switch from the major pentatonic scale to the altered scale on the A7 to add flavor and tension.
B. Start Simple: Target Dominant Chords
Use the altered scale sparingly at first, targeting only the dominant 7th chords. This ensures that the dissonant notes feel intentional and add tension in the right places, without overwhelming the listener.
C. Use Sliding and Bending
One of the hallmarks of country guitar playing is the heavy use of slides and bends. When using the altered scale, try sliding between the flat 5 and the root or bending from the sharp 9 to the flat 9. This can create a haunting, bluesy effect that feels right at home in a country song.
D. Combine It with Open String Licks
Country guitarists love to use open strings to create a ringing, resonant sound. Try integrating the altered scale with open-string licks. For example, play a descending line in the altered scale and end on an open G or D string to give the solo a traditional country flavor.
5. Altered Scale Patterns and Shapes for Country Guitar
Learning the scale is the first step, but understanding how to use it effectively in the context of country music is crucial. Below are some practical fretboard shapes and patterns for the altered scale in the key of G, a common key in country music:
Pattern 1 (Starting on the Root)
e|--------------------------------5--6--8--|
B|-------------------------5--6------------|
G|------------------5--6-------------------|
D|------------4--5-------------------------|
A|-------4--5------------------------------|
E|--3--4-----------------------------------|Pattern 2 (Across the Neck)
e|--------------------------------10--11---|
B|----------------------8--9--10-----------|
G|----------------6--7---------------------|
D|------------5--6-------------------------|
A|-------5--7------------------------------|
E|--4--6-----------------------------------|These shapes can be used over dominant chords to inject tension and resolution into your solos.
6. Real-World Examples of Altered Scale Use in Country Music
While not as widely used as in jazz or fusion, the altered scale has found its place in modern country music. Guitarists like Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, and Brent Mason occasionally incorporate it to give their solos a unique, edgy feel. Let’s explore a few examples:
- Brad Paisley’s Solos:
Paisley is known for his technical prowess and has been known to throw in a chromatic run using the altered scale in songs like “Time Warp.” - Keith Urban’s Bluesy Twists:
Urban, a modern country-rock giant, blends the altered scale with bluesier phrasing, creating a unique crossover sound. - Brent Mason’s Jazz Influences:
As a session guitarist, Brent Mason is a master of many genres. He skillfully uses the altered scale to add a jazz-like tension to his country solos.
7. Modern Country Players Who Use the Altered Scale
Many modern country guitarists are using the altered scale, either consciously or subconsciously. Let’s take a look at some of the top players incorporating this advanced technique into their music.
- Brent Mason: A Nashville session legend, Brent Mason is renowned for blending jazz and country styles, making use of scales like the altered scale to create intriguing solos.
- Brad Paisley: Known for his technical abilities, Paisley has been seen applying altered scale runs in his more complex solos.
- John 5: Although more known for his metal work, John 5 has recorded country albums that incorporate scales and techniques well outside the standard country toolbox.
8. How to Practice the Altered Scale in Country Playing
Here’s a practice routine designed to help you master the altered scale for country music.
- Start Slow:
Begin by practicing the altered scale shapes at a slow tempo, focusing on precision and smooth transitions between notes. - Apply It Over Dominant 7th Chords:
Use backing tracks with dominant 7th chords to get comfortable applying the altered scale in a real musical context. - Improvise with Familiar Licks:
Blend the altered scale with familiar licks you already know. Start by adding a single altered note to a phrase, then gradually incorporate more.
9. Frequently Asked Questions About Altered Scales in Country Music
Q1: What makes the altered scale sound different from the major or pentatonic scales?
The altered scale includes altered tensions (like b9, #9, and b13) which create dissonance and resolution, making it more dynamic and tension-filled than simpler scales.
Q2: Can a beginner use the altered scale in country guitar?
Yes, but it’s important to start slow and practice the basics before diving into advanced techniques like the altered scale.
Q3: Which artists are famous for using the altered scale in country music?
Brad Paisley, Brent Mason, and Keith Urban are known for incorporating jazzier elements, including the altered scale, in their solos.
Q4: Is the altered scale only for fast solos?
No, the altered scale can be used in both fast and slow tempos. It’s more about how you apply it rather than the speed.
Q5: How does the altered scale fit into traditional country music?
While not common in traditional country, the altered scale adds tension that can enhance modern and experimental country styles.
10. Conclusion: Transform Your Solos with the Altered Scale
The altered scale guitar in country music is a powerful tool for guitarists looking to expand their harmonic vocabulary and inject new life into their playing. While it’s not traditionally associated with country, this scale is proving to be a secret weapon for modern players who want to add tension, complexity, and emotion to their solos. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting to experiment with advanced scales, the altered scale can elevate your country guitar playing to new heights.
Take your time learning the patterns and applying them, and soon you’ll see how much this scale can transform your approach to country guitar solos.
