Country music is known for its simplicity, heartfelt lyrics, and characteristic twang of instruments like the steel guitar, fiddle, and banjo. Traditionally, country music has relied heavily on major and pentatonic scales for its melodies and guitar solos. However, in recent years, the genre has seen the introduction of more complex scales, including the altered scale, which is typically associated with jazz. This article explores how the altered scale has made its way into country music guitar playing, its impact on the genre, and how players can use it to create a fresh, modern sound.

What is the Altered Scale?

The altered scale is a seven-note scale derived from the melodic minor scale. Specifically, it is the seventh mode of the melodic minor scale, also known as the “super locrian” or “diminished whole-tone” scale. The scale contains the following intervals: root, flat 2, flat 3, flat 4, flat 5 (also known as sharp 4), flat 6, and flat 7. These notes create a dissonant, tension-filled sound that is often used in jazz to play over dominant seventh chords with altered extensions like b9, #9, b5, or #5.

While this scale may seem out of place in country music, it can be used effectively to add complexity, color, and tension to guitar solos and chord progressions.

The Role of Scales in Country Music

Historically, country music has drawn heavily from simple major and minor scales, with a strong emphasis on the pentatonic scale. The major pentatonic scale, in particular, has been a staple for country guitarists, lending itself to the bright, upbeat sound that defines much of the genre.

The pentatonic scale is beloved for its simplicity and ease of use, but as country music has evolved, guitarists have begun to explore more complex harmonic structures. This has led to the introduction of scales like the blues scale, the mixolydian mode, and, more recently, the altered scale.

Introducing the Altered Scale to Country Guitar

Incorporating the altered scale into country music is not as far-fetched as it may seem. The genre has always been open to experimentation, and the blending of influences from rock, jazz, and blues has been evident in the work of country guitarists like Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, and even the earlier work of Merle Haggard. These guitarists often push the boundaries of traditional country playing by incorporating advanced techniques and harmonic approaches.

The altered scale, when used effectively, can add a layer of sophistication and surprise to a solo or even to a chord progression. It is typically used over a dominant chord, especially when resolving back to the tonic (I) chord in a progression. In country music, dominant chords are often found in turnarounds or as part of the classic I-IV-V progression. Using the altered scale over a V chord can create tension that resolves beautifully back to the I chord, adding emotional depth to a song.

How to Use the Altered Scale in Country Guitar Playing

While the altered scale may seem complex at first, it can be easily integrated into country guitar playing with a few key steps:

1. Identify the Right Chord

The altered scale works best over a dominant seventh chord, especially one that leads back to the tonic. In the key of G major, for example, the V chord is D7. To play the altered scale over this chord, you would use the D altered scale (which is equivalent to the Eb melodic minor scale starting on D).

2. Create Tension and Release

The altered scale is all about creating tension. By introducing dissonant intervals like the flat 9 or sharp 5, the altered scale sets up an expectation that needs to be resolved. This tension can be resolved by returning to the tonic chord with a more familiar major or pentatonic scale. This creates a contrast that draws the listener in and makes the solo more engaging.

3. Blend with Other Scales

Country guitarists often use the pentatonic scale as their go-to tool for soloing. By blending the altered scale with pentatonic runs, you can create a mix of familiar and unexpected sounds. Start a phrase with the pentatonic scale and then use the altered scale for a few notes before returning to more familiar territory.

4. Listen to Players Who Use the Altered Scale

While not commonly associated with country music, players like Danny Gatton, known as “The Telemaster,” have pushed the boundaries of the genre by incorporating jazzier scales into their playing. Listening to how Gatton and other modern players experiment with tension and resolution can provide inspiration for adding the altered scale into your country guitar toolkit.

The Impact of the Altered Scale on Country Music

While the altered scale has not become a staple of country music, it has been adopted by more progressive players looking to expand the genre’s harmonic vocabulary. It introduces a more sophisticated sound that blends country with jazz and blues influences. The use of the altered scale can take a song from a simple three-chord progression to a more complex, emotionally charged piece of music.

As country music continues to evolve, the altered scale provides guitarists with a fresh tool to express themselves in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re playing a traditional country tune or experimenting with more modern country-rock or jazz-country fusion, the altered scale can add depth and excitement to your guitar solos.

Conclusion

The altered scale, while traditionally used in jazz, offers country guitarists an exciting new avenue for creativity. By incorporating it into dominant chord progressions, blending it with traditional scales, and using it to create tension and release, players can introduce a fresh sound to the genre. As country music continues to evolve, the altered scale will likely play a role in shaping its future, offering both challenge and reward for those willing to explore its potential.