Will someone explain Substitutions!

[tmyboy]

Ok, I seen a video of Hammondman showing some substitutions.  They sounded really phat, but the deal is he didn't explain what he was playing.  What are subs and how (where) can they be used.  Someone please explain this.  It would be much appreciated if you explain it in like "C" that way there is no confusion and I can transpose them to other keys.  Thanks in advance! :wink:

[psychopianoman]

That is a difficult topic. There are a ton of substitutions and there are to many ways to do it. Voicings are a popular way to and some spice to your music.

Here is an example, you could play a C major chord in your right hand and a C octave in your left hand. This sounds good but you could also play it with the c and g in left hand and an e and upper c in the right hand. This varies the sound.

Voicings are an easy way to change your music up, look around and I am sure u could find a guide on the most popular voicings that can be applied to any key.

That is a very simple example and there are many more ways to do this. As far as flat out substitutions I know of no way of figuring them out. I learn them as I experiment and it gets stuck in my head so I know it can be used at certain times.

[tmyboy]

Thanks for the insight.  I understand that you can change the voicings, I do that often myself, but what I am referring to is like substituting a "Gb" for the "C".  I read somewhere that on the circle of fifths you use the chord directly opposite of the chord you are playing for a sub.  Is this true?  "Gb" is directly opposite of "C" on the circle.  If this is true how do you actually use it in playing.

I put the tritone for "C" in my left hand and tried hitting a "Gb" major in my right hand.  It sounds pretty good, a little out there, but good.  However, I have no clue as how to use it.

I am trying to learn tritones and substitutions, but seems like there is no exact science to it all.  Please help me out!  Thanks

[psychopianoman]

Sorry I could not be of more help, I am sure someone knows how, when, where, and why.

[Hammondman]

SUB. CHORDS CAN BE USED IN THE MAIN CHORDS OF YOUR SONG, THE TRICK IS WHICH CHORDS CAN YOU USE! DEPENDING ON THE SONG,  rule of thumb, what you use for the 1, you can use for the 4.

lh / rh

CG / Em7 = 1
FC / Am7 = 4

YOU CAN ALSO USE THE 6TH AS A 1 CHORD IF YA DO IT RIGHT, HERE'S AN EXAMPLE IN F:

"NORMAL WAY"
LH / RH
GD / Bb
AE / C
BbF / Db
CG / Eb
FC / Am7

"THE 6TH SUB. ENDING"
GD / Bb
AE / C
BbF / Dm7
AE / GM7
DA / BDbEGbA

You hear the difference? That's a typical Kevin Bond move he does on the regular, instead of using the 1, he majored the 6th, you can sub the 1 with a minor 6, all he did was make it a M7th

hope this helped you out

[JoyCH1]

I have Hammondman's substitution book and I think its really good. It really goes into detail about chord substitutions - sometimes you just have to have.

Joy

[tmyboy]

Hammondman,
   Thanks for taking the time to post a reply.  I do however, have a question about making the 6th a M7th.

The chord you posted:  DA/BDbEGbA :?:

I have been trying to figure this chord out.  I take it the "E" makes this chord a M9th instead of a M7th.  However, I can't figure out the "B"...  Why do you use the "B?"

Also, Joy mentioned a sub book (Thanks Joy :wink: )...  I looked on your site, I couldn't find anything about it.  Is this something for sale or is online somewhere?

Thanks!

[sjonathan02]

Hammondman,
   Thanks for taking the time to post a reply.  I do however, have a question about making the 6th a M7th.

The chord you posted:  DA/BDbEGbA :?:

I have been trying to figure this chord out.  I take it the "E" makes this chord a M9th instead of a M7th.  However, I can't figure out the "B"...  Why do you use the "B?"

Also, Joy mentioned a sub book (Thanks Joy :wink: )...  I looked on your site, I couldn't find anything about it.  Is this something for sale or is online somewhere?

Thanks!

With the addition of the 'B' is makes the chord a M13.

Jonathan

[tmyboy]

I do agree it is a 13th chord.  I don't know why, but sometimes I can't think outside my box :lol:   But wouldn't that be a sharp "#" 13th :?:   So, how would this chord be named?  Would it be a "DM9th #13"?  or would it just be a "DM #13?"


Also if anybody else has any substitutions they would like to add that would be great...

Thanks

[sjonathan02]

I do agree it is a 13th chord.  I don't know why, but sometimes I can't think outside my box :lol:   But wouldn't that be a sharp "#" 13th :?:   So, how would this chord be named?  Would it be a "DM9th #13"?  or would it just be a "DM #13?"


Also if anybody else has any substitutions they would like to add that would be great...

Thanks

Nope, just a DMaj13.

[tmyboy]

Hopping back in box....

You're right, I don't know what I thinking... The "B" note is the 6th and 13th of the D scale.  Thanks for nocking me back in line.  LOL!  I guess I need to brush up on my scales.... Ha Ha!