So you’ve been playing the guitar for a while now and you’re starting to explore more advanced techniques and theories. One topic that often comes up in discussions among seasoned musicians is the concept of chord substitution. But what exactly is chord substitution and how can it enhance your playing? In simple terms, chord substitution is the act of replacing one chord with another chord that shares similar tonal characteristics, creating a unique and fresh sound. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of chord substitution and how it can take your musical compositions to the next level.
What is Chord Substitution?
Chord substitution is a musical technique that involves replacing one chord with another in a chord progression, while still maintaining the overall harmony and function of the original progression. It allows for a greater degree of harmonic variety and can add interest and complexity to a piece of music.
Why Use Chord Substitution?
Chord substitution can be used to spice up a chord progression that might otherwise sound predictable or repetitive. By replacing certain chords with substitutions, you can introduce new harmonic colors and create a more unique and memorable musical experience. Chord substitution can also help smooth out chord progressions that may have awkward voice leading or create tension and resolution in unexpected ways.
Types of Chord Substitution
Modal Interchange
Modal interchange involves borrowing chords from parallel scales or modes. This means using chords from a different mode or key that shares the same tonic note. For example, in the key of C major, one might borrow a chord from the parallel C minor scale, such as the Cm or Cm7 chord. This adds a touch of melancholy or darkness to an otherwise bright and major key song.
Tritone Substitution
Tritone substitution is a technique where the dominant seventh chord, typically a V7 chord, is replaced with another dominant seventh chord a tritone interval away. For instance, in the key of C major, the G7 chord could be substituted with a Db7 chord. This substitution creates tension and adds a jazzy or bluesy flavor to the progression.
Secondary Dominants
Secondary dominants involve using dominant seventh chords that are not diatonic to the current key to create temporary tonalities. For example, in the key of C major, introducing a D7 chord before the G7 chord creates a secondary dominant, leading to an intensified resolution on the tonic C chord. This technique is often used in jazz and can create interesting harmonic twists and turns.
Passing Chords
Passing chords are chords that are inserted between two existing chords in a progression to create smoother voice leading and add harmonic interest. These chords are often brief and transitional, acting as a bridge between two stable chords. Passing chords can be diatonic or chromatic and are particularly useful in adding color and tension to a progression.
Slash Chords
Slash chords, also known as inverted chords, involve playing a chord with a different bass note than its root. For example, instead of playing a regular C major chord, you can play C/E, with E as the bass note. This creates a different texture and can provide a smoother bass movement between chords. Slash chords are commonly used in genres such as pop, rock, and folk.
Modal Interchange
Definition
Modal interchange, also known as modal mixture or borrowed chords, refers to the practice of borrowing chords from parallel scales or modes. It involves replacing a chord from the current key with a chord from a different mode that shares the same tonic note. This adds a unique flavor to the harmony and can evoke different emotional qualities.
How It Works
To use modal interchange, you first need to identify the parallel mode or key. For example, in the key of C major, the parallel minor scale is C minor. By borrowing chords from C minor and using them in a C major progression, you introduce the harmonic colors and qualities of the minor mode into the major context.
Examples
An example of modal interchange in the key of C major could be replacing the typical IV chord (F major) with an Fm chord borrowed from the parallel C minor. This substitution adds a touch of melancholy and creates an interesting contrast within the progression. Other common borrowed chords in modal interchange include the ii diminished chord, the bVII major chord, and the VI major chord.
Tritone Substitution
Definition
Tritone substitution is a chord substitution technique that involves replacing a dominant seventh chord with another dominant seventh chord whose root is a tritone away. The tritone is an interval of three whole steps or six half steps, and it divides an octave in half.
How It Works
In tritone substitution, the dominant function of the original chord is preserved while creating an interesting harmonic tension. For example, in the key of C major, the original dominant G7 chord can be substituted with a Db7 chord. The tritone substitution still resolves to the tonic chord (C), but adds a unique and unexpected sound to the progression.
Examples
In a basic II-V-I progression in the key of C major (Dm7-G7-Cmaj7), the G7 can be substituted with a Db7 chord. This creates a chromatic descent in the bass line (D-C-Db) and adds a jazzy or bluesy flavor to the progression. Tritone substitution is commonly used in jazz and other genres that aim to introduce tension and harmonic complexity.
Secondary Dominants
Definition
Secondary dominants are dominant seventh chords that are not diatonic to the current key but are used to create temporary tonalities. They act as dominants to chords other than the tonic in order to intensify the resolution and create a sense of harmonic progression.
How It Works
To use secondary dominants, you need to identify the target chord that you want to emphasize. For example, in the key of C major, if you want to intensify the resolution to the IV chord (F), you can introduce a secondary dominant. In this case, the dominant chord of F is C7. By playing C7 before the F chord, you create a temporary tonality that leads to a stronger resolution.
Examples
In the key of C major, a common example of secondary dominance is using the dominant of the dominant chord (V/V) to create tension and resolution. The V/V chord is D7, and its function is to lead to the dominant G7 chord. This creates a sense of harmonic motion and prepares the listener for the eventual resolution to the tonic C chord.
Passing Chords
Definition
Passing chords are chords that are inserted between two existing chords in a progression to create smoother voice leading and add harmonic interest. They often serve as transitional chords and can be diatonic or chromatic.
How It Works
Passing chords are used to connect two stable chords and create a smoother bass movement or fill in gaps between chord changes. They can be chosen based on the shared tones with the surrounding chords or by chromatic movement. Passing chords can help create tension and release, add color to the progression, and provide a sense of harmonic motion.
Examples
In a basic I-IV-V progression in the key of C major (C-F-G), a passing chord could be added between the I and IV chords. For instance, a Dm chord could be inserted after the C chord and before the F chord. This passing chord adds a more interesting harmonic movement and provides a connection between the two chords.
Slash Chords
Definition
Slash chords, also known as inverted chords, involve playing a chord with a different bass note than its root. The bass note is indicated after a slash (“/”) in the chord symbol. Slash chords are often used to create a different texture, provide a smoother bass movement, or add unique voicings to a chord progression.
How It Works
To use slash chords, you need to decide on a different bass note for the chord. This can be a note from within the chord itself or a note that adds a desired tension or color to the overall sound. The slash chord notation indicates the desired bass note and allows for greater flexibility and variety in chord voicings.
Examples
In the key of C major, instead of playing a regular C major chord (C-E-G), a C/E chord can be used. This means that the bass note is E instead of C, creating a different inversion of the chord. This inversion can provide a smoother bass movement when transitioning to other chords. Slash chords are commonly used in genres such as pop, rock, and folk to add interesting harmonic variations.
Understanding Chord Functionality
To effectively use chord substitution, it is essential to have a solid understanding of chord functionality. This means understanding the roles that each chord plays in relation to the tonic or home chord. Tonic chords provide a sense of resolution, dominant chords create tension and lead to resolution, and subdominant chords add stability and support to the tonal center.
By understanding chord functionality, you can identify which chords can be effectively substituted or replaced while still maintaining the harmonic progression and overall feel of the music. This knowledge also helps in choosing appropriate substitutions based on the desired emotional impact or specific musical context.
How to Use Chord Substitution Effectively
Understanding Harmonic Context
To effectively use chord substitution, it is crucial to understand the harmonic context of the piece. This involves analyzing the key, identifying the chord progressions, and recognizing the underlying tonality. By understanding the harmonic context, you can make informed decisions on which chords can be substituted to enhance the musical experience.
Experimenting with Different Substitutions
Chord substitution is a creative process, and experimenting with different substitutions is key to finding unique and exciting harmonic variations. Try substituting different chords and listen to how they affect the progression. Pay attention to the emotional impact and the overall flow of the music. By exploring various substitutions, you can discover combinations that add depth and interest to your compositions.
Developing Your Ear
Developing a strong ear for harmony is crucial in effectively using chord substitution. Train your ear to recognize different chord qualities, intervals, and progressions. Listen to music that incorporates chord substitution and try to identify the substitutions used. The more familiar you become with different harmonic possibilities, the easier it will be to apply chord substitution intuitively.
With practice and experience, chord substitution becomes an intuitive and creative tool in your musical arsenal. It allows you to add your own unique touch to chord progressions and create compelling harmonies. Use chord substitution as a means to explore different musical landscapes and elevate your compositions to new heights.
Jonse Becker, a seasoned guitarist and music aficionado, founded his blog to share his passion for all things guitar. With over 20 years of experience, Jonse expertly navigates the realms of vintage acoustics and modern electrics, offering readers a rich blend of technical knowledge, history, and industry trends.