blues chord substitution charts

The following ideas are directed at the emerging blues / jazz artist in regards to applying the principles of chord substitution within the framework of the 12 bar blues form. These principles of chord substitution are applied in the context of two extended blues solos. One solo is in C major and is 18 choruses in length, plus the tag. The second is in C minor and is 12 choruses plus the tag. Both of these solos are theoretically and artistically analyzed measure by measure in the major blues substitution and minor blues substitution sections which follow by link. So perhaps begin by examining the musical contents of each solo by clicking either icon below to hear the music. As you listen, see which of the two solos perks your interest, perhaps listening for some familiar ground. Here are the icons representing the sound files of the two complete blues solos, one in the major color, one in the minor color or tonal environment. Example 1.

The following two choices are links to the material that allows the reader to explore these two solos chorus by chorus. I tried to make these two solos as artistic as possible, in a academic sort of way I guess, so there is perhaps a bell shaped curve over both solos in regard to how complex they are. The first few choruses are deeply blues based and quite simple harmonically and melodically. As the solo builds, each successive chorus adds a new substitution possibility, gradually increasing the complexity of the music. These new possibilities are oftentimes retained in the succeeding choruses. As the solo begins to climax, the complexity starts to go away and the overall feel returns to a more solid blues coloring. Each of the two solos then end in a similar manner as to how they began, with the original theme restated followed by the tag. There are lot's of cool and common chord substitutions within each solo, if you hear something you dig, extract that bit of the theory and study it, running your new ideas thorough a couple of your favorite blues keys. Both solos simply try to recreate what usually happens when players get together and jam on a simple 12 bar blues. Like taking 18 choruses? Well, some folks just have a lot to say yes? So, pick one of two choices here and off ya go!

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