Borrowed chords

Definition

Borrowed chords are chords that are taken from a parallel key, typically a minor chord from the parallel minor key of a major piece, or vice versa. These chords add color and variety to a progression, allowing composers to create tension and emotional depth by straying from the established key signature. Borrowed chords are particularly effective in common chord progressions as they introduce unexpected harmonic movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Borrowed chords can be identified by their deviation from the established key signature, often introducing chromatic tones that aren't part of the original scale.
2. Common examples include using the iv chord from the parallel minor in a major key, or applying the VII chord as a leading tone in a major key.
3. These chords are frequently used in genres like jazz and popular music for their ability to enhance emotional expression and create dynamic contrasts.
4. When used effectively, borrowed chords can lead to surprising resolutions, keeping listeners engaged and enhancing the overall narrative of the piece.
5. Composers often utilize borrowed chords to create transitions between sections of a piece, linking contrasting moods or themes through unexpected harmonic shifts.

Review Questions

• How do borrowed chords enhance common chord progressions in tonal music?
  • Borrowed chords enhance common chord progressions by introducing unexpected harmonic changes that create tension and emotional depth. By incorporating chords from parallel keys, composers can break away from predictable patterns, resulting in more engaging music. This technique encourages listeners to experience moments of surprise and contrast, making the overall progression more dynamic and interesting.
• In what ways can borrowed chords contribute to thematic development within a composition?
  • Borrowed chords can contribute significantly to thematic development by providing contrasting colors that highlight changes in mood or emotion. For example, using a borrowed minor chord in a major context can evoke a sense of melancholy or introspection. This contrast allows composers to explore different facets of their themes, enriching the overall narrative and providing depth to the musical journey.
• Evaluate the impact of borrowed chords on genre evolution, particularly in popular music and jazz.
  • Borrowed chords have had a profound impact on genre evolution, especially in popular music and jazz, where harmonic innovation is vital. By integrating these chords into their compositions, musicians create richer textures and more complex emotional landscapes. This has led to new styles and subgenres emerging as artists push traditional boundaries, utilizing borrowed chords to craft unique soundscapes that resonate with contemporary audiences while still paying homage to classical techniques.

Related terms

Modal Interchange: The practice of borrowing chords from a related mode or scale, often used to enrich the harmonic vocabulary of a composition.

Parallel Keys: Keys that share the same tonic note but differ in mode, such as C major and C minor.

Secondary Dominants: Chords that function as dominant chords leading to a diatonic chord other than the tonic, often used to create tension and resolution.