Tritone Substitution

Tritone Substitution

Author: Dr. Bob Lawrence September 29, 2020 Duration: 1:00:49

Welcome to JazzPianoSkills; it's time to discover, learn, and play Jazz Piano!

Every JazzPianoSkills weekly podcast episode introduces aspiring jazz pianists to essential Jazz Piano Skills. Each Podcast episode explores a specific Jazz Piano Skill in depth. Today you will discover, learn, play Tritone Substitutions. In this Jazz Piano Lesson you will:

Discover
The Tritone Substitution
Learn
How to construct Tritone Substitutions from Academic & Street Perspectives
Play
Various Tritone Substitutions using the III-VI-II-V-I Progression

For maximum musical growth, be sure to use the Jazz Piano Podcast Packets for this Jazz Piano Lesson. All three Podcast Packets are designed to help you gain insight and command of a specific Jazz Piano Skill. The Podcast Packets are invaluable educational tools to have at your fingertips while studying and practicing Tritone Substitutions.

Download Podcast Packets
Illustrations
(detailed graphics of the jazz piano skill)
Lead Sheets
(beautifully notated music lead sheets)
Play Alongs
(ensemble assistance and practice tips)

EPISODE OUTLINE:
Introduction
Discover, Learn, Play
Invite to Join JazzPianoSkills

Key, C Major
Two-Handed Voicings
Swing Feel | Tempo = 110 BPM

Demo 1
III-VI-II-V-I Progression
E-7 A7 | D-7 G7 | CM7

Demo 2
III-VI-II-bII-I Progression
E-7 A7 | D-7 Db7 | CM7
bII Tritone Substitution

Demo 3
III-VI-bVI-V-I Progression
E-7 A7 | Ab7 G7 | CM7
bVI Tritone Substitution

Demo 4
III-bIII-II-V-I Progression
E-7 Eb7 | D-7 G7 | CM7
bIII Tritone Substitution

Demo 5
bVI-VI-II-V-I Progression
Bb7 A7 | D-7 G7 | CM7
bVII Tritone Substitution

Demo 6
III-bIII-II-bII-I Progression
E-7 Eb7 | D-7 Db7 | CM7
bIII & bII Tritone Substitution

Demo 7
bVII-VI-bVI-V-I Progression
Bb-7 A7 | Ab-7 G7 | CM7
bVII & bVI Tritone Substitution

Demo 8
bVII-bIII-bVI-bII-I Progression
Bb-7 Eb7 | Ab-7 Db7 | CM7
bVII, bIII, bVI, bII Tritone Substitution

Conclusion
Closing Comments

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There's a certain magic in hearing a great jazz pianist, a feeling that it's both complex and effortless. Jazz Piano Skills pulls back the curtain on that magic, transforming it into a clear, practical path forward. Hosted by Dr. Bob Lawrence, an educator and the President of The Dallas School of Music, this series feels less like a lecture and more like a series of private sessions. Each episode focuses on a tangible skill, breaking down the theory, harmony, and technique that define the jazz language. You'll hear Bob at the keyboard, demonstrating chord voicings, improvisational patterns, and rhythmic concepts, explaining the 'why' behind every note. Whether you're deciphering a standard or building a solo from scratch, the guidance is always rooted in practical application. This podcast is designed for those who want to move beyond simply playing notes on a page and start speaking through the instrument. It’s a deep, methodical exploration of the art form, offering structured lessons that build upon each other. Tune in and find your voice at the keys, learning directly from a professional whose teaching strips away the intimidation and fuels genuine musical growth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 332

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