In
music theory,
chord substitution is the use of a
chord in the place of another related chord in a
chord progression.
Jazz musicians often substitute chords in the original progression to create variety and add interest to a
piece. The substitute chord must have some
harmonic quality and degree of
function in common with the original chord, and often only differs by one or two
note. Scott DeVeaux describes a "penchant in modern jazz for harmonic substitution."Scott DeVeaux (Autumn, 1999). "'Nice Work if You Can Get It'- Thelonious Monk and Popular Song", p.178,
Black Music Research Journal, Vol. 19, No. 2, New Perspectives on Thelonious Monk.
Types
The
ii-V substitution is when a chord or each chord in a progression is preceded by its
supertonic (ii7) and dominant (V7), or simply its dominant.Dimin, Michael (2009).
The Art of Solo Bass: The Chordal Approach, p.17. ISBN 0786606533. For example, a C major chord would be preceded by Dm7 and G7. Since
secondary dominant chords are often inserted between the chords of a progression rather than replacing one, this may be considered as 'addition' rather than 'substitution'.
Chord quality alteration is when the quality of a chord is changed, and the new chord of similar root and construction, but with one pitch different, is substituted for the original chord, for example the minor sixth for the major seventh, or the major seventh for the minor.Bahha...
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