Chord substitution

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A chord substitution is the use of one chord in the place of another in a chord progression. Substituted chords must have some quality in common with the original chords, such as in a tritone substitution.

One simple example of chord substitution is to remove the root (bottom note) of a triad and add a tone a diatonic third above the fifth (top note of a triad). For example, in the key of A Major take an E major chord (which is made up the notes E, G#, and B) and remove the root, E. Now add a diatonic third above the fifth, B, which is D. You now have the chord G#, B, and D. You have substituted an E Major with a G# diminished chord.

You may also substitute by going in the other direction, that is remove the fifth and add a diatonic third below the root. So in our example above, the original chord is E, G#, and B. Remove the B and add a C# below the E. You have now substituted and E major with a C# minor chord.

Theoretically any chord can be substituted for any other chord as long as the new chord supports the melody. This is a technique employed in music such as bebop or fusion to give a music piece more sophisticated harmony. It is also commonly used to increase logistical easy on transitions, often on guitar. See also: Coltrane changes.