C# Tritone Substitution

ii – bII7 – I progression in C# major

C♯ major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
iiD#m
bII7D
IC#

Triad Diagrams — C# Tritone Substitution (Guitar)

C# Tritone Substitutionii – bII7 – I

The C# ii–bII7–I tritone substitution (D#m – D – C#) replaces the dominant V with a chord a tritone away, creating a chromatic, mysterious color. With seventh voicings (D#m7 – D7 – C#Maj7), it delivers one of the most sophisticated sounds in jazz harmony.

Jazz / SoulMystery & Tension4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): D#m, D, C#.

Chords (7th): D#m7, D7, C#Maj7.

Famous songs using this progression

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