How Do You Spell TRITONE SUBSTITUTION?

Pronunciation: [tɹˈa͡ɪtə͡ʊn sˌʌbstɪtjˈuːʃən] (IPA)

The spelling of "tritone substitution" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. "Tritone" is pronounced as /ˈtraɪˌtoʊn/ with the stress on the first syllable and the tri sound being a combination of the t and r sounds. "Substitution" is pronounced as /səbˌstɪˈtuʃən/ with the stress on the third syllable and the sub sound being a combination of the s and b sounds. Together, the word is spelled as tr-ai-t-o-n s-u-b-s-t-i-t-u-t-i-o-n, with a silent e at the end. This term is commonly used in jazz theory to refer to the practice of replacing a chord with another chord that is a tritone away.

TRITONE SUBSTITUTION Meaning and Definition

1. Tritone substitution is a concept commonly used in jazz music that involves replacing a dominant chord with another dominant chord that is a tritone (or augmented fourth) away. It can be defined as a harmonic device where a chord built on the flattened fifth (or tritone) of a given dominant chord is used instead of the original chord within a progression.

   In simpler terms, tritone substitution involves replacing a dominant chord with another dominant chord that shares the same tritone interval. For example, if a musician encounters a G7 chord in a song, they can substitute it with a Db7 chord as both chords share the tritone interval of the tritone E and Bb.

   This substitution adds tension and color to the harmony while maintaining the original function of the dominant chord. The tritone substitution creates an interesting musical effect by creating a smooth movement between dominant chords and adding harmonic interest to a progression.

   Tritone substitution is often used to introduce chromatic movement, create smooth voice-leading, and add variety and richness to a harmonic progression. It is a popular tool among jazz musicians and has become an essential part of the jazz language.

   Overall, tritone substitution refers to the substitution of a dominant chord with another dominant chord that shares the same tritone interval, providing an alternative harmonic color and enhancing the musical experience.

Etymology of TRITONE SUBSTITUTION

The word "tritone substitution" is derived from two components: "tritone" and "substitution".

1. Tritone: The term "tritone" refers to a musical interval of three whole tones or six semitones, also known as an augmented fourth or diminished fifth. It is considered a highly dissonant interval in Western music.

2. Substitution: In the context of music, "substitution" refers to replacing one chord or harmony with another that serves a similar function or creates a similar effect. Substitutions are commonly used in jazz and other genres to add harmonic interest or create smooth voice-leading.

Therefore, "tritone substitution" combines these two concepts, indicating the technique of replacing a chord with another chord that is a tritone away. This technique is often employed in jazz improvisation and arranging to create harmonic tension and variety.