Chord Substitution Finder

This is a really useful little tool for discovering imaginative chord changes to any given chord sequence. Simply click your mouse on one of chords in the progression to see alternatives or use keys on your computer keyboard instead. A harmonic route planner that offers suggestions based off destination pull, borrowed colour, and shared function.

Beginning with controls panel, set your harmonic journey. From dropdown menu select your home key which also indicates which diatonic chords can be selected. Select your chosen target chord (the one you wish to substitute), and this become the goal of your musical phrase, enabling the widget to work out possible substitutions.

How to Use the Chord Tool

Tap degree of the chord you want replaced in rail. If you’re using a keyboard, you can also use number keys 1-7 to tap buttons marked with roman numerals. This will map them directly to diatonic degrees of the key you’ve selected. Once tapped, the chord you choose highlights in the rail and becomes your source in comparison dock.

Toggle filter buttons to open certain types of routes. Chord function keeps tonic, dominant or predominant role in place. Destination filter extends pull into next chord. Borrowed filter takes chords from parallel minor mode adding some color. Use filters in combination to view a broader range of options.

You will see new candidates displayed on the right. A short reason for each is included as well as Roman numeral and name of the chord. This rationale describes how the substitute fit into the harmony. It also ranks according to minimum number of notes to move from your starting chord. It suggests changes that moves the fewest notes from your starting chord.

To listen to an alternate chord and check out its details, simply click on any of the candidate tickets. It will then play back in artificial tones (the alternate chord) and update comparison dock below. That is where you can see shared tones between your original and alternate choice as well as itinerary for the bass. Use volume slider to turn up or down to suit.

In order to test out both options in context try rehearsal button. It will play the progression as it was originally and then with substitute chord applied. That way you can listen to how the alternative chord affect the flow into target chord. This helps you decide whether the substitution works for your musical idea.

Get quick inspiration from a proven route dossier. Preset examples such as tritone slides or minor four chords is all available via load case button and show how common substitution patterns are used in action. These can be used as a starting point for further experimenting.

There is a quick reference guide in the help panel. Summarizes keyboard shortcuts and mouse/touch controls. Explains in detail what various route types mean in practice. Leave panel open while you explore some of the more complex progressions.

Toggle fullscreen mode for bigger workspace. It expands widget to full screen. It gives you more space to see both details and candidate list. This is particularly useful if you’re working on a smaller display. To reset it press return button. This will remove your selected settings and send the widget back to its original C major path. This way, you can clear everything out to begin from scratch or see what is different than a neutral starting point.

Alternatively, you might of like to adjust the target and key and start another adventure. Try out various key/filter combinations. For instance, switch from one to another and see where the bass line goes. Or, see what happens when you substitute a dominant chord for a borrowed subtonic. Use shared tone metrics as a guideline. Have fun with it and play around. You’ll discover fresh shades for your progressions.

Choose a key. Choose a target chord. Open required filters. Select a candidate and listen to what it sounds like. Try the option in context using the rehearsal tool. When you’re happy with it, let’s get started on your journey of harmonic discovery.