A Tritone Substitution

ii – bII7 – I progression in A major

A major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
iiBm
bII7A#
IA

Triad Diagrams — A Tritone Substitution (Guitar)

A Tritone Substitutionii – bII7 – I

The A ii–bII7–I tritone substitution (Bm – A# – A) replaces the dominant V with a chord a tritone away, creating a chromatic, mysterious color. With seventh voicings (Bm7 – A#7 – AMaj7), it delivers one of the most sophisticated sounds in jazz harmony.

Jazz / SoulMystery & Tension4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): Bm, A#, A.

Chords (7th): Bm7, A#7, AMaj7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Girl from Ipanema – Antonio Carlos Jobim
  • Body and Soul – Johnny Green