Introduction to Borrowed Chords
Borrowed chords are like surprise guests at a party—they arrive unexpectedly and change the atmosphere. In music theory, these are chords taken from parallel keys, adding vibrant color and emotion to a piece. Their allure lies in the element of surprise and emotional depth, captivating listeners. Picture this: you’re enjoying a familiar song, and suddenly, a borrowed chord appears, making your ears perk up and your heart skip a beat. Let’s explore one particular borrowed chord that holds a special place in many popular tunes.
Understanding the VI Chord
The VI chord is like the cool cousin who unexpectedly brings charm and intrigue to family gatherings. In a major key, the VI chord is built on the sixth degree of the scale, and it’s a minor chord. For example, in the key of C major, the VI chord is an A minor chord. Straightforward, right? However, when borrowed from a parallel minor key, it transforms into a major chord, adding a delightful twist to the harmony.
The magic of the VI chord lies in its emotional versatility. It often creates a sense of longing or surprise, adding complexity to the music. Imagine a pop song with a predictable progression, and suddenly, a borrowed VI chord shifts the mood to something introspective and rich—a musical plot twist.
I recall a jam session where we added a borrowed VI chord to a simple pop tune. The room lit up—everyone stopped, exchanged grins, and the chord became the memorable hook of the song. Borrowed VI chords are found in a wide range of compositions, acting like a secret ingredient that transforms the familiar into the extraordinary.
As we delve deeper into borrowed chords, it’s fascinating to explore their origins and evolution over time.
Origins of Borrowed Chords
Tracing the roots of borrowed chords is like embarking on a musical time-travel adventure. Historically, composers enjoyed blending major and minor keys, creating new flavors. Borrowing chords from minor keys was common, adding richness and emotional depth to compositions.
In the Baroque and Classical periods, composers like Johann Sebastian Bach skillfully wove borrowed chords into their works, crafting pieces with unexpected harmonic shifts. Over time, these chords evolved beyond creating tension, becoming a way to evoke specific emotions and colors.
A key concept here is tonicization, which temporarily spotlights a chord, making it feel like the “home” or tonic, even briefly. This technique enhances the musical impact of borrowed chords, guiding listeners through an emotional journey.
Introducing my students to tonicization was eye-opening for them. They realized how a simple shift could change a piece’s entire mood—a plot twist in music that keeps listeners engaged.
As we continue, we’ll explore how these borrowed chords have found their way into modern music, creating unforgettable moments in songs.
Angel Olsen’s “Shut Up and Kiss Me” Case Study
Angel Olsen’s “Shut Up and Kiss Me” exemplifies how the VI chord can transform popular music. The song, with its catchy melody and emotional lyrics, becomes even more compelling through its clever use of harmony. As you listen, there’s a moment when the music takes a turn, delightfully catching you off guard.
The song begins with a straightforward, upbeat progression, setting a lively mood. But what makes it memorable is Angel Olsen’s use of the borrowed VI chord to inject emotional depth. Here, the VI chord from the parallel minor creates a rich, unexpected shift, mirroring the song’s complex theme. It’s as if the music says, “Pay attention—something important is happening.”
Analyzing this song with my students was priceless. We dissected the moment the VI chord sneaks in, discovering a hidden treasure in a familiar landscape. The song transformed from a catchy tune to a narrative rich with harmonic surprises.
This creative use of the VI chord shows how borrowed chords can elevate a piece, turning it from simple to extraordinary. It’s a reminder of music’s endless possibilities, where a single chord change can alter a song’s emotional trajectory. As we explore modern music, we’ll find more instances of these harmonic twists, each offering a unique story and impact.
Chromatic Submediants in Modern Music
Imagine listening to a song, and suddenly, a chord adds a splash of unexpected color—like a dash of hot sauce enhancing a dish. This is the role of chromatic submediants in modern music. These chords, borrowed from outside the home key, inject surprise and emotional nuance.
In contemporary compositions, chromatic submediants offer fresh perspectives, allowing musicians to break free from predictable progressions. They’re like plot twists in music, keeping listeners guessing. They can transform a simple pop song into something memorable, providing that “ear perk” moment.
For example, Coldplay’s “The Scientist” uses a chromatic submediant to transition from a heartfelt verse to a chorus rich with emotional depth. Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” also features a chromatic submediant, enhancing the song’s storytelling with intensity. This technique has roots in earlier music, notably in garage rock songs like The Sonics’ “Psycho,” and other songs of the era such as Count Five’s “Psychotic Reaction” and The Seeds’ “Pushin’ Too Hard” from that era.
Understanding and experimenting with these chords can open new creative avenues. They’re hidden gems in music theory, waiting to be discovered. In our next exploration, we’ll dive into harnessing these harmonic surprises to add magic to your compositions.
Practical Applications for Musicians
For musicians seeking to enliven their songwriting, borrowed chords can be a secret weapon. Imagine being stuck in a cycle of familiar progressions. This is where borrowed chords, like the VI chord, can rejuvenate your music.
To incorporate borrowed chords, start by considering your song’s emotional narrative. What impact do you want to achieve? Create moments of surprise, nostalgia, or longing. With that goal in mind, experiment with different borrowed chords to find the best fit. For those looking for a powerful tool to explore chords and scales, a music theory app like Piano Companion can be invaluable, helping you to quickly find and experiment with various harmonies.
When teaching students about emotional impact, I suggest starting with a basic progression, then substituting a borrowed chord at key moments. For instance, in a major key, swap the tonic for a borrowed VI chord from the parallel minor. This shift adds complexity and emotion, much like a plot twist in a story.
Creating tension is another powerful tool. By placing a borrowed chord before resolving back to the home key, you build anticipation, keeping listeners engaged. It’s like setting up a dramatic scene, leaving the audience eagerly awaiting the resolution.
In my own compositions, borrowed chords not only enhance the music but also enrich the storytelling. They act like unexpected plot devices, adding depth and intrigue. As you experiment and find your unique voice, remember that the real magic lies in how you connect with your audience.
Conclusion
Borrowed chords, like the VI chord, are vibrant tools that add color and emotion to music. Their unexpected charm transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Whether writing your next hit or exploring a new melody, let these chords guide you into creative territories. Embrace their surprise and allow your compositions to tell stories that linger in the hearts of listeners. Experiment with borrowed chords and watch your musical adventures unfold into something truly magical.