modal interchange

theoryMOH-dul IN-ter-chaynjfrom English

The technique of borrowing chords from a parallel mode to enrich the harmonic palette‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌

In Depth

Modal interchange, also called mode mixture, allows a composer working in a major key to use chords from the parallel minor (or vice versa), or to borrow from any parallel mode.‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌ The most common example is using a minor iv chord in a major key context, which produces a bittersweet quality. Other popular borrowings include ♭VII, ♭VI, and ♭III from the parallel Aeolian mode. The technique is pervasive in pop, rock, and film music, where it adds emotional depth without full modulation.

Did you know?

The Beatles used modal interchange extensively — the ♭VII chord in songs like Let It Be comes from the parallel Mixolydian mode.

Related Terms

borrowed chord

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A sharp, flat, or natural sign that alters a note from the prevailing key signature.

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Relating to sound or the properties of sound, especially music produced without electronic amplification.

Aeolian mode

The natural minor scale, with the pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W, producing the most common minor tonality in Western music.

aleatory

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alto

The second-highest voice type, or an instrument pitched between soprano and tenor.

amplitude

The measure of a sound wave's intensity, perceived as loudness or volume.

anacrusis

One or more notes before the first full bar of a piece, also called a pickup or upbeat.

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