About Scale Degrees & Chord Extensions
Scale degrees describe the relationship between any note and a chord root. In jazz and contemporary music, understanding chord extensions like the 9th, 11th, and 13th—along with their alterations (b9, #9, #11, b13)—is essential for improvisation, voicing chords, and analyzing harmony.
Why This Matters
When you see a chord symbol like C7#9 or Dm11, you need to instantly know which notes are implied. Fluency with scale degrees lets you voice chords creatively, navigate chord changes while soloing, and communicate clearly with other musicians. This skill bridges the gap between reading chord symbols and actually playing them.
How to Practice
Start with the basic extensions (9, 11, 13) before tackling alterations. Focus on one root note until you can answer instantly, then move to other keys. Use the 60-second challenge mode to build speed—aim for at least 20 correct answers per round. Review your common mistakes to identify patterns in what trips you up.
Common Challenges
Many players confuse b9 with #9, or struggle with the relationship between 11 and 4. Remember: altered extensions are always chromatic alterations of the natural scale degrees from the major scale. The b9 is always a half step above the root; the #11 is always a tritone away.