Borrowed Chords: Expand Your Harmonic Horizons

What are Borrowed Chords?

Borrowed chords, also known as modal mixture or substituted chords, are chords borrowed from the parallel key. By introducing chords from related scales and keys, borrowed chords offer a wealth of possibilities for crafting distinctive chord progressions.

Borrowing Chords in Practice

Consider a song in D major where the expected C chord is replaced by a Cm7 b5 (VIIm7b5). However, the song actually uses a C major chord instead, serving as a borrowed chord.

Benefits of Borrowed Chords

Borrowed chords provide several advantages:

• Expanded Harmonic Vocabulary: They increase the range of chords available to you, allowing for more complex and varied progressions.
• Enhanced Character: Borrowed chords can add a distinctive flavor to your music, creating specific atmospheres or moods.
• Songwriting Variety: They offer a tool for breaking out of predictable chord patterns and adding interest to your compositions.

Borrowing Chords from Different Scales

In the example above, the C major chord was borrowed from the C minor scale. It is possible to borrow chords from other modes of the major scale as well, such as:

• Aeolian (natural minor)
• Mixolydian
• Lydian
• Phrygian
• Dorian

Conclusion

Borrowed chords are a powerful technique that can transform your harmonic compositions. By incorporating chords from related keys and scales, you can unlock new possibilities for crafting unique and engaging chord progressions. Experiment with borrowed chords to expand your harmonic vocabulary and create music that stands out.