Chord Substitutions in Chord Melody

Chord substitutions are a powerful tool in chord melody arrangements. They allow you to add variety, complexity, and color to your playing by replacing standard chords with alternative chords that serve the same harmonic function.

Introduction to Chord Substitutions

Chord substitutions involve replacing a chord with another chord that has a similar harmonic function. This can create new harmonic possibilities and add interest to your chord melody arrangements. Common types of chord substitutions include diatonic substitutions, tritone substitutions, and diminished substitutions.

Diatonic Substitutions

Diatonic substitutions involve replacing a chord with another chord from the same key. Here are some common diatonic substitutions:

  • Relative Minor: Replace a major chord with its relative minor (e.g., C major with A minor).
  • Relative Major: Replace a minor chord with its relative major (e.g., A minor with C major).
  • Secondary Dominants: Use secondary dominant chords to temporarily tonicize a chord (e.g., D7 as the V7 of G major).

Tritone Substitutions

Tritone substitutions involve replacing a dominant seventh chord with another dominant seventh chord a tritone away. This creates a smooth voice leading and adds tension to the progression. For example, G7 can be replaced with D♭7.

Diminished Substitutions

Diminished substitutions involve using diminished chords to create smooth voice leading and add tension. A common diminished substitution is to replace a dominant seventh chord with a diminished chord a half step higher. For example, G7 can be replaced with A♭°.

Example: "Autumn Leaves" with Chord Substitutions

Let's revisit the jazz standard "Autumn Leaves" and apply some chord substitutions to the chord melody arrangement:

Original Chord Progression


Am7 - D7 - Gmaj7 - Cmaj7 - F#7 - Bm7 - E7 - Am7

Chord Progression with Substitutions


Am7 - D7 - Gmaj7 - E7 - A7 - Bm7 - D♭7 - Am7

Chord Melody Arrangement with Substitutions

Here is a chord melody arrangement for "Autumn Leaves" using chord substitutions on the guitar:


E|---0---2---3---4---5---7---8---10---12---
B|---1---3---3---4---5---7---8---10---12---
G|---0---2---4---4---5---7---9---11---12---
D|---2---0---5---4---5---7---9---11---12---
A|---0-------5---4---5---9---7---9---10----
E|-----------3-----------------------------

Voice Leading with Chord Substitutions

Voice leading is crucial when using chord substitutions. Here are some tips for smooth voice leading:

  • Minimize Movement: Move individual notes by the smallest possible interval to create smooth transitions.
  • Common Tones: Keep common tones between chords to create a sense of continuity.
  • Contrary Motion: Use contrary motion (moving voices in opposite directions) to create interesting and balanced lines.

Practice Exercises

Here are some practice exercises to help you develop your skills with chord substitutions in chord melody:

  1. Choose a simple melody and harmonize it using diatonic substitutions. Play the melody and chords simultaneously.
  2. Practice voice leading by moving individual notes in the chords by the smallest possible interval. Ensure smooth transitions between diatonic substitutions.
  3. Experiment with tritone substitutions to harmonize the melody notes. Try replacing dominant seventh chords with their tritone substitutes.
  4. Use diminished substitutions to create smooth voice leading and add tension. Replace dominant seventh chords with diminished chords a half step higher.
  5. Transcribe a chord melody arrangement from a recording that uses chord substitutions and play it on your instrument. Analyze the techniques used in the arrangement.
  6. Compose your own chord melody arrangement for a simple song using chord substitutions. Start with the melody and add chords that harmonize with the melody notes.
  7. Practice playing chord melody arrangements with chord substitutions in different keys. Transpose a simple arrangement to several keys.
  8. Incorporate advanced techniques such as chord substitutions, walking bass lines, and counterpoint into your chord melody arrangements with chord substitutions.
  9. Record yourself playing a chord melody arrangement with chord substitutions and listen back to analyze your technique and tone. Make adjustments as needed.
  10. Perform a chord melody arrangement for an audience. Focus on maintaining a clear melody and smooth chord transitions.

 

 

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