Borrowing Chords From A Parallel Key
So far we’ve limited ourselves to choosing chords diatonic to a key. However, when we want a more sophisticated sound, we can borrow chords from a key’s parallel minor or major. For instance, if we are in the key of A major, all the chords of the A minor key would also be available to us. If we were in the key of G minor, all the chords of G major would be available from which to choose.
Exercise 1
Popular examples
Analyze and circle the borrowed chord.
“No Surprises” by Radiohead
F Bbm
“I Will Follow You Into The Dark” Chorus (Song is in C major)
/ Am – – – / C – – – / F – – – / C – C/B – /
/ Am – – – / C – – – / G – – – / – – – – /
/ Am – – – / C – – – / E – – – / Am – Am/G – /
/ F – – – / Fm – – – / C – – – / – – – – /
“You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” by The Beatles
IG——|D——|F——IG——IC——|———|F——IC——|
Exercise 2
Pick a key center and write out the chords diatonic to both the major and minor key.
I II- III- IV V VI- VIIdim
_______ Major
I- IIdim bIII IV- V- (V7) bVI bVII
_______Minor
Compose an original song or chord progression using the chords listed above.
LEAVE A COMMENT