LEARNING TARGETS
I can substitute chords with various chords and have the piece still make harmonic sense.
GENERAL
Chord substitution is the act of replacing given chords with new chords. Sometimes this changes the feel or emotion of a song. It's a refreshing way to look at the same song.
First we are going to look at how to substitute chords that belong in a given signature. Remember figuring out all these chords that belong in the diatonic scale? Here is an example in C Major.
First we are going to look at how to substitute chords that belong in a given signature. Remember figuring out all these chords that belong in the diatonic scale? Here is an example in C Major.
The goal of chord substitution is to find a different chord that contains the same chord tones as the melodic note. Another way of saying this is that the melody note should belong to this new chord.
For example is the note in the melody is a C. What chords contain a C?
Answer: C Major, F Major, and A minor.
What if the melody note was an E? What chords contain an E?
Answer: C Major, E minor, and A minor.
Notice that in any given note, there are at least three chords that you could use. Now you can substitute the chord for a new chord of your choosing. How does it sound? Do you like it? Now you have more options to change the mood of the piece.
For example is the note in the melody is a C. What chords contain a C?
Answer: C Major, F Major, and A minor.
What if the melody note was an E? What chords contain an E?
Answer: C Major, E minor, and A minor.
Notice that in any given note, there are at least three chords that you could use. Now you can substitute the chord for a new chord of your choosing. How does it sound? Do you like it? Now you have more options to change the mood of the piece.