What Are Borrowed Chords?
Borrowed chords (also called modal interchange) are chords taken from the parallel minor or major key. They add emotional depth and harmonic sophistication to otherwise simple progressions.
Example: In C major, you might borrow the ♭VI chord (A♭ major) from C minor to create a darker, more emotional sound.
🎵 Hear the Difference: Compare C major progressions with and without borrowed chords!
Most Common Borrowed Chords
From Major to Minor (Most Common)
When in a major key, borrowing from the parallel minor adds emotional weight:
♭VII (Flat Seven)
In C major: B♭ major (borrowed from C minor)
Effect: Creates a "rock" or "modal" sound
Example: "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses
♭VI (Flat Six)
In C major: A♭ major (borrowed from C minor)
Effect: Adds melancholy and sophistication
Example: "Creep" - Radiohead (G-B-C-Cm progression)
iv (Minor Four)
In C major: F minor (borrowed from C minor)
Effect: Creates poignant, emotional moments
Example: "Yesterday" - The Beatles
From Minor to Major (Less Common)
When in a minor key, borrowing from the parallel major can brighten the mood:
♭VII (Major Seven)
In A minor: G major (borrowed from A major)
Effect: Adds optimism to minor progressions
How to Use Borrowed Chords
1. Replacement Strategy
Replace diatonic chords with their borrowed equivalents:
- Normal: C - Am - F - G
- With borrowed ♭VI: C - Am - A♭ - G
2. Passing Chord Strategy
Use borrowed chords as transitions between diatonic chords:
- Example: C - ♭VII - vi - IV (C - B♭ - Am - F)
3. Modulation Strategy
Use borrowed chords to smoothly change keys:
- Example: Use ♭VI as a pivot to relative minor
Essential Borrowed Chord Progressions:
- I - ♭VII - IV: C - B♭ - F (Classic rock)
- I - ♭VI - ♭VII - I: C - A♭ - B♭ - C (Epic/cinematic)
- vi - ♭VI - I: Am - A♭ - C (Emotional lift)
- I - iv - I: C - Fm - C (Melancholy)
Modal Interchange Chart
Here's what you can borrow when in C major:
From C Natural Minor:
- ♭III: E♭ major
- iv: F minor
- ♭VI: A♭ major
- ♭VII: B♭ major
From C Dorian:
- iv: F minor
- ♭VII: B♭ major
From C Mixolydian:
- ♭VII: B♭ major
- v: G minor
Songs That Use Borrowed Chords
Classic Examples:
- "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" - The Beatles (uses ♭VI)
- "Creep" - Radiohead (G-B-C-Cm with borrowed iv)
- "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey (uses ♭VII)
- "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses (♭VII progression)
Practice Tips
Start Simple
Begin with the most common borrowed chords:
- Learn ♭VII in major keys (B♭ in C major)
- Try iv in major keys (Fm in C major)
- Experiment with ♭VI (A♭ in C major)
Listen for the Effect
Each borrowed chord creates a specific emotional color:
- ♭VII: Rock/modal sound
- iv: Melancholy/poignant
- ♭VI: Dark/mysterious
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which borrowed chords to use?
Start with the most common ones (♭VII, iv, ♭VI) and listen to how they affect the emotional color of your progression.
Can I use borrowed chords in any genre?
Yes! While common in rock and pop, borrowed chords appear in jazz, classical, and even country music.
Do borrowed chords change the key of the song?
No, they're temporary color chords. The song remains in the original key, but gains harmonic richness.