E Tritone Substitution

ii – bII7 – I progression in E major

E major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
iiF#m
bII7F
IE

Triad Diagrams — E Tritone Substitution (Guitar)

E Tritone Substitutionii – bII7 – I

The E ii–bII7–I tritone substitution (F#m – F – E) replaces the dominant V with a chord a tritone away, creating a chromatic, mysterious color. With seventh voicings (F#m7 – F7 – EMaj7), it delivers one of the most sophisticated sounds in jazz harmony.

Jazz / SoulMystery & Tension4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): F#m, F, E.

Chords (7th): F#m7, F7, EMaj7.

Famous songs using this progression

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