C Tritone Substitution

ii – bII7 – I progression in C major

C major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkulele
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
iiDm
bII7C#
IC

Triad Diagrams — C Tritone Substitution (Guitar)

C Tritone Substitutionii – bII7 – I

The C ii–bII7–I tritone substitution (Dm – C# – C) replaces the dominant V with a chord a tritone away, creating a chromatic, mysterious color. With seventh voicings (Dm7 – C#7 – CMaj7), it delivers one of the most sophisticated sounds in jazz harmony.

Jazz / SoulMystery & Tension4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): Dm, C#, C.

Chords (7th): Dm7, C#7, CMaj7.

Famous songs using this progression

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