-
Borrowed Chords:
- Definition: Borrowed chords, also known as modal interchange or modal mixture, involve borrowing chords from a parallel key. In music theory, every major key has a relative minor key, and vice versa. Borrowing chords means using chords from the parallel key (major or minor) rather than the original key.
- Example: In the key of C major, you might borrow chords from C minor. So, you could use chords like Cm, Eb, Ab, etc., in addition to the chords native to C major (C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am).
- Purpose: Borrowed chords can add color and variety to a musical piece. They introduce unexpected harmonic elements that can create tension and interest.
Above we have the C Major 9 chord, notice how D# and A# are in there but not apart of the C major scale. These notes are "borrowed" and make up a modal chord from the mode Dorian.
-
Modal Chords:
- Definition: Modal chords refer to chords that are derived from a specific musical mode. Modes are scales with unique tonal characteristics, and each mode has its own set of chords that can be built from its scale. The most common modes are Ionian (major), Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian (natural minor), and Locrian.
- Example: In the key of C major, you might introduce chords from the C Mixolydian mode, such as G7. This chord, with its dominant seventh quality, gives a mixolydian feel to the progression.
- Purpose: Modal chords can be used to emphasize a specific tonality or mood associated with a mode. They can create a distinct flavor and atmosphere in the music.
Combining Borrowed and Modal Chords:
- It's also possible to combine borrowed and modal chords in a progression. For instance, you might be in the key of C major but borrow chords from C minor and introduce modal chords from a mode like Dorian. This blending of elements can lead to rich and nuanced harmonic progressions.
In summary, borrowed chords involve taking chords from a parallel key, while modal chords are derived from specific modes. Both concepts offer composers and musicians a wide range of harmonic possibilities to create interesting and unique musical expressions.
By the Stealify™ Team.