Borrowed Chords in Music Theory

What are Borrowed Chords?

A borrowed chord, also known as mode mixture or modal interchange, is a chord borrowed from the parallel major or minor scale with the same root. It's a technique used to create unexpected and interesting chord progressions by introducing chords from related scales outside of the primary key.

Borrowed chords are typically found in jazz, rock, and pop music, but can also be used effectively in other genres. They add color, depth, and variety to chord progressions, and can help musicians break free from the constraints of traditional chord progressions.

By understanding the concept of borrowed chords, musicians can expand their harmonic vocabulary and create more sophisticated and nuanced music.