Borrowed Chords: Expand Your Chord Progression Horizons

What are Borrowed Chords?

Borrowed chords, also known as mode mixture, modal interchange, or mutation, are chords that are "borrowed" from the parallel major or minor scale of the piece. By incorporating borrowed chords into your progressions, you can add depth, variety, and a sense of sophistication to your music.

Types of Borrowed Chords

There are several different types of borrowed chords, including:

• Minor borrowed chords: Borrowed from the parallel minor scale.
• Major borrowed chords: Borrowed from the parallel major scale.
• Modal borrowed chords: Borrowed from one of the five diatonic modes (Aeolian, Mixolydian, Lydian, Phrygian, and Dorian).

The most common borrowed chords are the minor borrowed chords, which can be used to create a sense of tension or sadness. However, major borrowed chords and modal borrowed chords can also be effective in different contexts.

How to Use Borrowed Chords

Borrowed chords can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few tips:

• Use borrowed chords to create tension or release. Minor borrowed chords can be used to create tension, while major borrowed chords can provide a sense of resolution.
• Use borrowed chords to add variety to your progressions. By using different types of borrowed chords, you can avoid relying on the same old chord changes over and over again.
• Use borrowed chords to create a specific mood or atmosphere. Different borrowed chords can create different moods, so experiment with different options to find the ones that best suit your musical vision.

Borrowed chords are a powerful tool that can help you expand your chord progression horizons and create more sophisticated and interesting music. By understanding how to use borrowed chords, you can open up new possibilities and take your songwriting to the next level.