D Tritone Substitution

ii – bII7 – I progression in D major

D major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
iiEm
bII7D#
ID

Triad Diagrams — D Tritone Substitution (Guitar)

D Tritone Substitutionii – bII7 – I

The D ii–bII7–I tritone substitution (Em – D# – D) replaces the dominant V with a chord a tritone away, creating a chromatic, mysterious color. With seventh voicings (Em7 – D#7 – DMaj7), it delivers one of the most sophisticated sounds in jazz harmony.

Jazz / SoulMystery & Tension4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): Em, D#, D.

Chords (7th): Em7, D#7, DMaj7.

Famous songs using this progression

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