Chord Substitution
Chord substitution involves playing a different set of chords for a given chord progression. This is useful for both beginners and advanced player. Beginners will be able to substitute easier chords for a given chord line (e.g., working from sheet music); and advanced players will be able to embellish a chord progression, often creating a ‘jazz’ flavor.
The following table summarizes common substitutions for beginners. These substitutions can be used because the chords contain similar notes and hence have a similar sound.
Here is an example of simplifying a chord progression, by using the substitutions outlined in the previous table.
More advanced players can use a reverse of the previous table. E.g., for Am, play Am7, Am6 or perhaps use a combination of the two. This type of substitution is called direct substitution, and here are two examples.
Turnaround in A
Blues in Bb
Learning Chord Substitution
You could go even further with the progressions shown previously, and use 11ths, 13ths or altered chords. You could also add in extra chords, e.g., in the final bar you could play F9 for the first two beats and then play F13 for the final two beats.
Most Jazz and Fusion players get a basic chart and substitute higher extensions to create a Jazz sound. Substitution is usually done on the basis that the chord to be substituted has at least one (but usually two or more) note in common with the original chord.
To substitute chords successfully, you really need to know your chords well. It is recommended that you purchase a Jazz theory book and study it until you are confident playing any chord, mode or scale in any key without having to think first.
It is also a good idea to study chord substitution with a Jazz teacher who will be able to show you some transcriptions of guitar parts by great players which use chord substitution. This aspect of playing can take a long time to become comfortable with, so be patient with it.
