Just having a bit of a panic attack over altered chords. I'm finding them really difficult. How much do I need to know about them for grade 6 theory? Will I only get asked to use them in question 2, or might they crop up in questions 4 and 5 too? I have looked at some past papers and don't see any mention of them. I'm working through chapter 15 of Harmony In Practice on altered chords - how much of this chapter do I actually need to know.

I'm panicking now, Ailsa. I'm doing grade 6 theory as well and I don't even know what altered chords are.
I have just looked at the chapter you refer to. I'm quite sure you don't need to know about altered chords for Grade 6. Do you have Music Theory in Practice or the book with the big 6, which personally I prefer. They will give you a clear idea of what is required. I have just reread your post and see that you have looked at past papers. The past papers I have do not have them on either, so I think we can safely assume we do not have to worry.

The syllabus is here.

Thanks for your replies.

Yes, I had read the syllabus, which doesn't mention anything about altered chords, but on page 24 in 'the Big 6' (info on how to answer question 2) it says, '... the question may include accidentals and altered chords, such as ii, IV or V...'. When I looked at them in 'Harmony in Practice' of course as this book starts at grade 6 level it's hard to know how far to go in the chapter as I don't need a grade 8 knowledge on altered chords. Any advice?

I see what you mean, Ailsa. Even though they may be used in the question I am not sure that we have to do anything with them when doing what they call realising the chords. I will have to ask my teacher. When are you doing your exam. I think I am doing mine in June.

Thanks very much, sbhoa.

I think you might be right.

I'm doing my exam a week on Saturday (3 March) which is why I'm particularly anxious about them! If your teacher gives you an answer it would be great if you could share it with me.

Good luck in your exam. I will not be having another lesson until Tuesday, 6th March but I am sure you do not need to worry about altered chords.