Chord Progressions Part 16:
""How To Create
Unlimited Original Chord Progressions Using
Chord Substitutions""
Chord Sub Technique #2:
The "m7 down a 4th for 7th" Chord Substitution Technique
The "m7 down a 4th for 7th" Chord Substitution Technique
The "m7 down a 4th for 7th" technique is another of the best ways to create a fresh harmonization of a familiar melody.
Here's the deal:
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For any 7th chord, substitute a minor 7th chord a perfect 4th lower, if the melody will tolerate it.
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For
example, the 2nd chord in Silent Night (if we play it in the key of C) is the G7
chord. So we simply go down a perfect 4th from G -- which is D -- and we build a
minor 7th chord. The melody at that point is "D", so there's no conflict between
the melody and the chord. So it works. After playing Dm7, we can go back to G7.
We have just made the song more interesting.
If you're not sure what chord is a perfect 4th below a 7th, here's a chord substitution chart that will help you. You might want to print it out and keep it on your music rack on your piano:
7th chord ----- m7 chord subs
C7 Gm7
F7 Cm7
G7 Dm7
D7 Am7
A7 Em7
E7 Bm7
B7 F#m7
Db7 Abm7
Eb7 Bbm7
Ab7 Ebm7
Gb7 Dbm7
Bb7 Fm7
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So:
Get the idea?
Now watch
this short video while I demonstrate the technique, and I think you'll understand quickly:
Next issue
we will demonstrate another chord substitution technique, so look for that in
your next E-Newsletter.
If you learned something from this
5-minute video, just think what you'll learn from our
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