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Reharmonization – Definition
Reharmonization is the process of replacing or altering the original chords of a melody while leaving the melody itself largely unchanged.
What is Reharmonization?
Reharmonization allows musicians to create a fresh harmonic interpretation of an existing piece of music. Simple approaches include substituting relative major or minor chords, while more advanced techniques use secondary dominants, tritone substitutions, altered chords, and extended harmonies.
Although the melody remains recognizable, reharmonization can dramatically change the emotional character and harmonic direction of a song.
How is Reharmonization used in piano playing?
Pianists use reharmonization to create more personal arrangements, accompany singers creatively, and add harmonic interest to familiar songs. It is especially common in jazz, but it is also widely used in pop, gospel, film music, and contemporary piano arranging.
Learning reharmonization develops harmonic awareness, creativity, and a deeper understanding of chord relationships across all styles of piano playing.