Let’s take a look at how we can use one chord to sub for the 5 chord and create a very different sound to resolve to the 1 chord.

The next examples will utilize a minor sound to achieve this, which will create more tension.

Example 1 uses an Fm6 chord instead of a G7 to resolve to Cmaj7.

This is called a minor “4” chord, which borrows from the C minor scale.

F minor occurs in C minor but not C major, therefore you’re simply borrowing from this “Parallel” form.

You may even hear this substitution referred to as a Parallel substitution because the chord is still being built from a C scale – just minor instead ofmajor.

Ex.1

    Dm7      Fm6      Cmaj7
E|-----------------------------|
B|---6---------6---------5-----|
G|---5---------7---------4-----|
D|---7---------6---------5-----|
A|---5---------8---------3-----|
E|-----------------------------|

Here’s the same sub in F:

Ex.2

    Gm7      Bbm6      Fmaj7
E|-----------------------------|
B|---3---------6----------5----|
G|---3---------6----------5----|
D|---3---------5----------7----|
A|------------------------8----|
E|---3---------6---------------|

Next, have a look at how we can choose a Dm7b5 chord to sub for a G7. Again, this is a Parallel substitution borrowing from the C minor scale instead of selecting a chord found in C major. The notes in the chord resolve very nicely to the Cmaj7.

Ex.3

    Dm7       Dm7b5       Cmaj7
E|---------------------------------|
B|---6----------6------------5-----|
G|---5----------5------------4-----|
D|---7----------6------------5-----|
A|---5----------5------------3-----|
E|---------------------------------|

Here’s the same sub in F:

Ex.4

    Gm7       Gm7b5       Fmaj7
E|-------------------------------|
B|---3----------2-----------1----|
G|---3----------3-----------2----|
D|---3----------3-----------2----|
A|-------------------------------|
E|---3----------3-----------1----|

Want To Learn More …

Lchord-progression-box-2earning guitar chord progressions is one of the most frustrating times for guitarists.

Your fingers are new to the fretboard and the strings, just getting the correct fingers into the correct position can be a chore.

I can assure you all the effort, cursing and determination is worth it because chord progressions are one of the most important aspects of guitar playing.

Almost every piece of music ever written works by organizing chords into groups called chord progressions. Chord progressions are the basis of playing guitar. They set a basic foundation of rhythm.

Sounds quite complex and difficult just to begin with and you haven’t even started learning it yet.

With the right guidance you can make chord progressions fun, easy and improve your playing all at the same time.