♭II–I in A♭ Major
Pattern: ♭II – I
Chords: A – A♭
Chord Breakdown
| Numeral | Chord | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| ♭II | A (details) | major | Supertonic |
| I | A♭ (details) | major | Tonic |
Harmonic Analysis
This progression moves through A (Supertonic) → A♭ (Tonic).
The tritone substitution replaces the dominant V with a chord a tritone away, creating a smooth half-step resolution to the tonic. This two-chord motion is one of the most distinctive sounds in jazz harmony.
Song Examples
- The Girl from Ipanema — Antonio Carlos Jobim
- Round Midnight — Thelonious Monk