Meaning of Alteration in Music
In music, the term "alteration" can have different meanings depending on the context. One common usage of the term is in relation to harmony. Alteration in harmony refers to the use of a neighboring pitch in the chromatic scale in place of its diatonic neighbor This means that instead of using a note that belongs to the key signature, a note from outside the key is used to create a specific harmonic effect.
Another usage of the term "alteration" is in reference to altered chords. An altered chord is a chord that deviates from its standard form by modifying some of its typical notes. This is usually done on dominant chords and involves changing certain notes to create tension and color in the chord. Altered chords are commonly used in jazz and contemporary music .
It's important to note that the term "altered chord" is not frequently used in classical theory when speaking of basic secondary/applied dominants or leading tone chords. In classical theory, these chords are often referred to by their specific functions rather than as altered chords.
In summary, alteration in music can refer to the use of neighboring pitches in harmony or the modification of typical notes in chords to create tension and color.
A component of a chord symbol that indicates an alteration of any notes of the basic triad or any additional notes. Alterations are indicated by a sharp sign or plus "+" sign, and flat sign or minus "-" sign.
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