Diminished And Half-Step Substitutions

The F#dim (diminished) chord can be used to connect the IV chord to the I chord. Another good way to connect chords is the half-step substitution. You precede a new measure by starting a half-step above or below the chord in the next measure. The fingerings are the same, just move the chord shape up or down the fretboard. For B13 just play C13 down 1 fret. F#9 is F9 up 1 fret. Bb13 is C13 down 2 frets. Anyway, you get the idea.

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Half-step substitutions can also be used to add more interest to the turnaround, also creating a "walking bass line" sound.

The IImin7, V7 Substitutions

The IImin7 and V7 chords are derived from the degrees of the major scale. That means, G7 is the V chord and Dmin7 is the II chord in the C scale. This is usually called a II V progression. This is a common use of the II V substitutions in a blues progression.

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