The Church Pianist: More Application of the ii 7 Chord Substitution

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The following two gospel songs apply the chord substitution mentioned in the previous article.

Remember to play the ii 7 chord with the left hand.


*Clarification of using the ii 7: Notice: There are four notes in a ii 7 chord.

To avoid a heavy, clouded sound: Don’t play all 4 notes when a ii 7 chord is lower than Bass C

(the first C under middle C). Instead: play the bottom and top note only. For example: I would

play only A and G together for the ii 7 in the key of G. (because the A is located under Bass C).

Remember, the lower you play close-note chords the cloudier they sound.

(In an earlier article I mentioned not playing three note chords of any kind

lower than Bass C to prevent a muddy tone.)

Application of ii 7 chord substitution:

Hymn: Haven of Rest (Key of G)

ii 7 chord = A C E G (just play A and G)

IV chord = F A C

(2nd measure: out on life’s sea)

Change left hand to: ii 7 (A and G) on the word: life’s

(6th measure: do the same)

Change left hand to: ii 7 on the word: your



Hymn: The Solid Rock ( Key of C)

ii 7 chord = G Bflat D F (just play G and F)

IV chord = B flat D F

(3rd measure: Je-sus’ blood)

Change left hand to: ii 7 on the word: blood

Make the same change on the word: lean (measure 9)



This chord substitution will add more variety to gospel hymns. Challenge yourself and apply this same chord substitution to other gospel songs.