Explore scales · Ukulele
D altered scale on ukulele
D altered uses D, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭, C. The open G string is not in the scale, so mute it or use fretted notes.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, ♭4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the D altered scale on ukulele?
D altered in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the C string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3 | A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2 | F, G♭ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
D altered in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the C string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 5 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | G♭, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
D altered in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the G string at fret 7 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6, 8 | F, G♭, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
D altered in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A♭ on the C string at fret 8 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 10, 11 | E♭, F, G♭ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10 | A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10, 11 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | F, G♭, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
D altered is the seventh mode of E♭ melodic minor, sharing the same notes. It differs from D locrian by lowering the fourth degree from G to G♭, which creates a major third and a diminished fifth. The scale contains a tritone between D and A♭ and has no leading tone. Compare it with D locrian to hear the ♭4 against the natural 4.
When to use it
D altered fits dominant chords like D 7th flat 5 and D 7th sharp 5. Use it over D7 in jazz and fusion when you want altered tensions. It also works over E♭ minor and F minor progressions.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 3, fret 2, keeping the shape compact for fast dominant runs.
Common questions
What notes are in D altered?
D altered contains D, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭, and C. The scale has a minor second, minor third, major third, diminished fifth, augmented fifth, and minor seventh.
Which chords does D altered fit?
D altered fits dominant chords with altered fifths, such as D 7th flat 5 and D 7th sharp 5. It also works over E♭ minor and F minor chords.
Is D altered the same as D locrian?
No, D altered has a G♭ while D locrian has a G. That one note changes the fourth degree from perfect to diminished.