Reharmonization Techniques Apr 2026

Swap a IV (F major) for a ii (D minor).

Instead of changing the whole chord, keep the harmony static while moving a single inner voice chromatically (e.g., C — Cmaj7 — C7 — C6). Reharmonization Techniques

Any dominant chord (V7) can be preceded by its related minor seventh (ii7). G7 — C Expanded: Dm7 — G7 — C Swap a IV (F major) for a ii (D minor)

Apply this to a Tritone Sub. Instead of just Db7, use Abm7 — Db7 — C . 7. Pedal Points G7 — C Expanded: Dm7 — G7 —

The most important rule is that the new chord must not contain a note that "clashes" (usually a minor 9th interval) with the melody note being held.

This involves "borrowing" chords from a parallel mode, usually the parallel minor.

If you are in C Major, use an Abmaj7 (from C minor) instead of an F major.