Borrowed Chords

Unleash Creativity: Exploring the Art of Borrowed Chords

Enrich Your Chord Progressions with Modal Mixture

What are Borrowed Chords?

Borrowed chords, also known as modal mixture, are chords that are "borrowed" from a parallel key or scale. By incorporating these chords into your progressions, you can unlock a world of unique and expressive possibilities.

Borrowing from Related Keys and Scales

To borrow chords, start by identifying the parallel key of your current key. For example, the parallel keys of C major and C minor are each other. You can then borrow chords from the parallel minor or major scale, depending on the desired effect.

Comparing Diatonic Chords

To better understand borrowed chords, compare the diatonic chords of C major and C minor. In C major, the diatonic chords are C maj, Dm, Em, Fmaj, Gmaj, Am, and Bdim. In C minor, the diatonic chords are Cm, Dm, Eb maj, Fm, Gm, Abmaj, and Bbdim. Notice that the Eb maj, Abmaj, and Bbdim chords are not present in the diatonic chords of C major.

Expanding Your Harmonic Vocabulary

Borrowing chords allows you to expand your harmonic vocabulary and create more complex and interesting progressions. For example, you could borrow the Abmaj chord from C minor into a C major progression, or the Bbdim chord into a C minor progression.

Tips for Using Borrowed Chords

* Use borrowed chords sparingly, as too many can create a disjointed effect. * Experiment with different chords and keys to find combinations that suit your musical style. * Pay attention to the overall flow and coherence of your progressions. * Listen to examples of borrowed chords in popular music to gain inspiration.