F Chord Progressions: iii and III Substitutions

Remember from last time:

I. F major
ii. Gm
iii. Am
IV. Bb major
V. C major
vi. Dm
vii(b5). Edim

The F major diatonic scale is as follows: F G A Bb C D E F

Therefore, the relative minor of F major (the chord and the scale) is D minor.

The D natural minor scale is as follows: D E F G A Bb C D

The D harmonic minor scale is as follows: D E F G A Bb C# D

Now we have those ground rules established, it might help in the songwriting process to substitute the mellow iii chord with a more confident III chord. Going back to the simple relative minor substitutions from last time, let's try the following progression:

I-V-I-V-IV-V-I (I-V): F C F C Bb C F (play F C quickly)

Let's replace some I and V chords with their relative minors, vi and iii respectively.

I-V-vi-iii-IV-V-I (vi-V): F C Dm Am Bb C F (Dm C)

Let's replace the iii chord with a III chord (that is a major chord).

I-V-vi-III-IV-V-I (vi-V): F C Dm A Bb C F (Dm C)

Anyway, to connect with the natural minor and harmonic minor scales mentioned above, let's look at the iii and III chords.

iii. A minor chord (A C E notes)

III. A major chord (A C# E notes)