Music theory definition
Tritone substitution
Replacing a dominant 7th with the dominant 7th a tritone away (D♭7 for G7). They share the same tritone.
Same tritone, different root
G7 and D♭7 share the same . Swap them: . Bass slides D♭ → C.
Learn it in context
This term is introduced in Unit 16: Extended and altered harmony. Work through the explanations and exercises to connect the definition with music.
- Tritone substitution
Swap V7 for the dominant a tritone away.
Related music terms
- Extension
- A chord tone beyond the 7th: the 9th, 11th, or 13th.
- Neapolitan chord
- A major chord on the lowered 2nd degree (♭II), usually in first inversion.
- Altered chord
- A dominant chord with raised or lowered 5ths or 9ths for extra tension.