Tritone Substitution: the one jazz piano trick you need to know

► Free Jazz Piano Crash Course:

Tritone Substitution is a reharmonisation technique that can be used to add harmonic interest and variety to a chord progression.

Tritone substitutions are also knows as substitute dominants or sub 5's so be aware that these 3 terms refer to the same thing.

This lesson will explain what tritone substitution is, why it works and how to apply it to a major 251 progression.


What Is A Tritone?
A tritone is an interval of 3 whole steps or 6 half steps on the piano. The tritone marks exactly half of the octave.

Here’s a few examples:

 C to F# is a tritone.

 D to Ab is a tritone

 F to B is a tritone

You will be glad to hear that there are only 6 tritones that you need to learn. This is because tritones are symmetrical when inverted in the sense that you still have a tritone interval.

What Is Tritone Substitution?

Tritone substitution is when a dominant 7 chord is substituted for the dominant 7th chord a tritone away.

You might ask how is this possible?

The answer is because dominant chords that are a tritone apart share the same 3rd and 7th. Remember that the 3rd and 7th are what gives the chord it’s unique harmonic quality so therefore, chords that share the same 3rd and 7th are harmonically very similar.

Let’s look at an example:

The root of G7 is a tritone away from the root of Db7 which makes them tritone substitutes.

Let’s compare the notes of G7 and Db7:

G, B, D, F

Db, F, Ab, Cb

Db7 and G7 share the same 3rd and 7th notes but in reverse order.

It’s worth noting here that B (3rd of G7) and Cb (7th of Db7) are enharmonic equivalents, meaning that they are the exact same note but they are spelt or notated differently.

Tritone Substitution and the 251 Progression:

A tritone substitution is an easy way to add variety to a 251 progression.

In the key of C, a 251 progression contains the chords:

Dm7, G7 and Cmaj7.

The tritone substitution for the 5 chord G7 would be Db7.

G7 and Db7 share the same tritone interval which gives both chords their dominant quality and makes these two chords interchangeable.

All that changes is the bass note but this then has an effect on the extensions and alterations.

Why do we use tritone substitution?

 To create very smooth voice leading in a 251 progression, the root of each chord moves down by a half step to resolution rather than moving by 5ths intervals.

 Chromatic, step wise bass line movement

 Access different scales and arpeggios for improvisation

 Alternative ways to harmonize the melody to add dynamics and interest to your performance.

[charlesfinstad]

Maybe it’s me finally having the right level of caffeination or maybe this is simply the best explanation of tritone substitution I have ever found. Thank-you.

[josephromeo]

These are by far the best instructional videos I have come across . THANK YOU

[MayShaulov]

I saw dozens of videos about it, finnely I understand it. Thank you!

[robertagaide]

I CAN PLAY JAZZ???? HELLO???? Thank you!! I've been learning piano for 10 years and never understood how they can make it sound so relaxing and non-classicy, AND i LITERALLY WATCHED ONLY 2 MINUTES SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE VIDEO AND SUDDENLY I CAN PLAY JAZZ?? You're the GOAT. <3

[anthonyparks]

Finally the best lesson on the tritone sub I've seen. I also like that when moving from (functional) V to I, it can provide smooth chromatic motion in the bass.

[dubdavis]

Such a great tutorial. You made it so clear by keeping it 1 in the bass and 3, 7 / 7, 3 in the left. Exactly what I was missing to wrap my head around tritone substitution. Thanks man!!

[cmj]

For me this is the best explanation of tritone substitution. Thanks!

[dougwgmail]

Best explanation of Tri Tone Substitution I've come across to date. Well done.

[peternemeth]

There are certain qualities that make you so extraordinary good in teaching.
Above all your voice is very pleasant to listen to. You speak always in a very relaxed way. This makes it easy to listen to you. The accent that we hear (I don't know what it is, I guess it's an irish accept but I really don't know. I'm german by the way) sounds lovely and nice and makes you sympathetic and gives us the impression that you're a normal person that is down to earth. Your mind is very sharp. You know exactly what you're talking about and therefore you are able to pass this clarity and logic behind the music theory on. You emphasise exactly what is important with the intonation in your voice so we stay focused on the important things. The visual effects along with the notation of the notes and chords in the video is made with great precision.
You're the best teacher of jazz piano that I found in the Internet and I feel priviledged to know you and I'm glad that you have the talent to explain everything so well. I just can confirm what so many of your followers and students have written: You are really born to teach.

[ANPHKI]

Some people just have a knack for explaining things, and teaching in an "empathical" way.

These are the best. Thanks!

[pgtips]

The six people who gave this video a thumbs down leave me bewildered. They obviously have no idea about what jazz piano is about.
Another superb video explaining very clearly the principle with examples.

[mikeortega]

This is a common thing I do on the bass, your teaching method is fantastic sir!

[Korgie_]

i really appreciate how much time he spends getting us used to the theory, and really letting it sink in how it works!

[hilarytoussaint]

A CLEAN-CUT, CRISTAL CLEAR EXPLAINATION OF THE OF OLD-CALLED DEVIL'S INTERVAL. THANKS. GREETINGS FROM ARUBA.

[neil.musique]

then substitute it into a major chord (instead of a dominant chord) then it will sound beatiful. Making it a flat 2 major. 2-b2major-1
example: Dminor7- Dbmajor7-Cmajor7 (instead of Dminor7-Db7-Cmajor7). It makes it sound more soulful and gives it more sense. while the root note is going down chromatically.

great idea for an outro of a song or atleast a bridge or something like that. u start with the Major IV chord going down chromatically to the I chord. example: Fmajor7 - Eminor7 - Ebmajor7 - Dminor7 - Dbmajor7 - Cmajor7
this is fun to just listen to it and play in the piano or guitar


i have some examples on my channel called ''it is what it is'' and ''peace of mind''

[danielkamen]

This is a world-class jazz lesson. Learned a ton in such a short time. Thank you!

[mirandashao]

When I finish all your videos here, I'm gonna head to your website and purchase a subscription! You are an excellent teacher, Hayden! Thank you so much.

[arturospeaks]

Dude...you made this so easy to understand. Thanks a billion.

[donlessnau]

Superior vid. Great info, straight forward presentation and clear, simple explanations. Well done. Thanks a lot.

[Nigeno]

Clearly explained, what a great lesson. Thank you.