An Easy Chord Substitution

A simple chord substitution that can make a V-I resolution sound much smoother. It basically involves substituting the V chord in a progression (e.g. G in the key of C major) with ii7/V (Dm7/G in C major).

Chord substitution is the process of replacing one chord with another that has the same harmonic function (i.e., it does the same musical job in a chord progression) but a different sound. The chord that is most frequently substituted is the V (fifth), also known as the dominant. That's because straightforward dominant-tonic resolutions often sound too neat and tidy: dropping in a different chord with a cooler sound that does the same job can make everything work better.

Chord substitution is something you can use when improvising on the chord progression of someone else's song — perhaps to create a comp (accompaniment) for a singer — or when you're writing or producing your own music. It's most common in jazz, but happens in a very wide range of musical styles, and is especially suited to piano and keyboard.

#Shorts #Chords

[ArtRodent]

Thanks Bill. Might try making a post-it note substitution.

[robosing]

Great. Now how do people create entire songs out of this theory?

Do you simply write and entire song in 1 key, changing progression patterns? Or for more dynamic music, should you change keys using the circle of fifths? Like do a I-IV-V-I in C maj for a few measures then key change to G maj?

[zubinipedavid]

ami wrong or would a Dm/G basically be a G9 chord?

[andrewstillwell]

Minor 7th??don't you mean Minor 2nd?

[davidkerr]

If I may - isn't that almost a two one progression?