What Are Chord Substitutions?
Chord substitutions are alternative chords that can replace the original chords in a progression while maintaining harmonic function. They're the secret to sophisticated jazz harmony and can transform simple progressions into complex, interesting music.
Key Concept: Substitutions work because they share harmonic function or common tones with the original chord.
Essential Jazz Substitutions
1. Tritone Substitution (The King of Substitutions)
Replace any dominant 7th chord with another dominant 7th chord a tritone (3 whole steps) away.
Example: ii-V-I in C Major
With Tritone Sub: Dm7 - D♭7 - Cmaj7
Why it works: D♭7 and G7 share the same tritone (F and B), creating similar tension.
🎵 Compare: Practice both versions to hear the difference!
2. Relative Minor/Major Substitution
Replace major chords with their relative minor (or vice versa):
- C major ↔ A minor (share C, E, G notes)
- F major ↔ D minor (share F, A notes)
3. Diminished Passing Chords
Add diminished chords between diatonic chords:
Example:
Original: C - Am - F - G
With Diminished: C - C#dim - Am - F - F#dim - G
Effect: Creates smooth chromatic bass movement
4. Secondary Dominants
Add dominant chords that temporarily tonicize other chords:
Example in C Major:
To tonicize Am: Add E7 before Am
To tonicize F: Add C7 before F
Progressive: C - E7 - Am - C7 - F - G - C
Advanced Substitution Techniques
1. Chromatic Approach Chords
Approach target chords from a half-step above or below:
- To reach C: Use D♭maj7 or Bmaj7
- To reach Am: Use B♭m7 or A♭maj7
2. Upper Structure Triads
Play triads in the upper voices over different bass notes:
- G7 with D major triad: Creates G13 sound
- C7 with F# major triad: Creates C7#11 sound
3. Reharmonization
Completely change the harmonic rhythm while keeping the melody:
"Autumn Leaves" Reharmonization:
Original: Cm7 - F7 - B♭maj7
Reharmonized: Cm7 - B7 - B♭maj7 (tritone sub of F7)
Substitution Practice Routine:
- Start with a simple ii-V-I progression
- Apply tritone substitution to the V chord
- Add a diminished passing chord
- Try different combinations
Common Substitution Patterns
The "Rhythm Changes" Substitutions
Based on "I Got Rhythm," these are essential jazz patterns:
- I - VI7 - ii7 - V7: C - A7 - Dm7 - G7
- I - ♭II7 - ii7 - ♭II7: C - D♭7 - Dm7 - D♭7
The "Giant Steps" Cycle
Coltrane's famous harmonic concept using major 3rd cycles:
- Cycle: C - E7 - A - C#7 - F# - B♭7 - (back to C)
- Application: Use segments of this cycle as substitutions
When to Use Substitutions
✅ Good Times to Substitute:
- When you want more harmonic sophistication
- To create smoother voice leading
- To add chromatic bass movement
- When reharmonizing standards
❌ When to Avoid Substitutions:
- When the melody conflicts with new harmony
- If it obscures the song's essential character
- When simpler harmony serves the music better
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I learn to hear good substitutions?
Listen to jazz masters like Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, and Brad Mehldau. Study their reharmonizations of standards.
Can I use these techniques in non-jazz music?
Absolutely! Many pop, rock, and R&B songs use jazz substitutions subtly to add sophistication.
What's the difference between substitution and reharmonization?
Substitution replaces individual chords, while reharmonization changes the entire harmonic rhythm and structure.