Modal Interchange: Unlock Unique Chord Progressions
Borrowing Chords for Creative Harmony
Modal interchange is a technique that allows you to enhance chord progressions by "borrowing" chords from parallel scales. By introducing these borrowed chords, you can create unexpected and captivating harmonic sequences that add depth and richness to your compositions.
Borrowing Chords from Major Scales
In the major scale, we can borrow chords from the following modes:
- Aeolian (natural minor): bVI
- Mixolydian: bVII
- Lydian: #IV
For example, in the key of D major, we can borrow:
- bVI from the Aeolian mode: Bb major
- bVII from the Mixolydian mode: Bb7
- #IV from the Lydian mode: F#
Borrowing Chords from Minor Scales
Similarly, we can also borrow chords from minor scales.
- Locrian: bIII
- Phrygian: bIV
- Aeolian: I
For instance, in the key of F minor, we can borrow:
- bIII from the Locrian mode: Ab major
- bIV from the Phrygian mode: Bb major
- I from the Aeolian mode: Gm
Using Borrowed Chords in Progressions
By incorporating borrowed chords into your chord progressions, you can create unique and interesting harmonic effects. Here are a few examples:
- In D major: D - Bb - F - G
- In F minor: Fm - Ab - Bb - Gm
Conclusion
Modal interchange is a powerful technique that allows you to add depth and variety to your chord progressions. By "borrowing" chords from parallel scales, you can create unexpected and captivating harmonies that will enhance the impact of your compositions.
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