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The IV-7 chord is typically preceded by the diatonic Fmaj7 chord, but can also be used freely in the progression, as in the following examples:
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That isn’t to say that you can’t experiment or use the listed modal interchange chords more freely. The given chord progressions showcase how the modal interchange is typically most commonly used. Learn and memorize the chord progression examples. The listed Modal Interchange examples are given in the key of C major. The following list covers all the modal interchange chords used in major keys. Memorize All Following Modal Interchange Chords That connectedness is created by nature that each chord is borrowed from a scale that starts on the same root. This is not just a random bunch of different chords thrown together. Ě song written in the key of C Mixolydian, is in the key of C (Mixolydian), etc…īecause all modal interchange chords are related to the same key, there is a connectedness between the chords.Ě song written in a C Dorian scale is in the key of C (Dorian).Ě song written in a C minor scale, is in the key of C (minor).Ě song written in a C major scale, is in the key of C.Scales that all start on the same note are all in the same key: One of the reasons why modal interchange works is that all modal interchange chords have the same “key center” because they are all borrowed from parallel scales. Improvisation over Modal Interchange chords How & Why Does Modal Interchange Work? SEE ALSO: Improvisation over Modal Interchange Chords The principle is the same: you use chords from an A major scale (or from any A scale) in your A minor song. You can also use modal interchange in minor keys.
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This opens up a whole new world of harmonic colors that you can beef up your songs with. What this means is that you’re for example writing a song in the key of C major, and you are using chords from a C minor scale (or any other C scale) in your C major song. Modal interchange doesn’t deal with relative, but with parallel scales. This is different from relative scales, which are scales that share the same notes.Ĭ major, A minor, D Dorian, E Phrygian, etc…. Parallel scales are scales that start on the same root.Ĭ Dorian, C Phrygian, C Lydian, C Mixolydian, C Aeolian, C harmonic minor, C melodic minor, etc…. This allows you to add new harmonic colors in addition to the 7 chords of the key you are writing in. “Modal Interchange” is a harmonic technique in which you borrow chords from parallel scales. Beef Up Your Chord Progressions With Modal Interchange Chords
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