Writing Progressions with Borrowed Chords: Songwriting Lesson [MUSIC THEORY - MODAL INTERCHANGE]

Modal Interchange, Borrowed Chords, and Modal Mixture all refer to the same concept of using parallel modes - modes that all start on the same tonic. In this video we explore writing chord progressions in C Major, then borrowing the chords from C Minor. We also explore other options, such as borrowing from Lydian or Phrygian, and borrowing from other keys when NOT in major.

2 mistakes- At 05:50 I accidentally forgot Dorian, and the big chart has a type on Locrian, the two chord is missing a numeral!

This topic goes as deep as your knowledge of the modes. If all you know is Major and Minor, you can still get an insane amount of awesome cool chord progressions just by borrowing between them. However, the more modal knowledge you have, the easier it is to keep track of all the chords available to you in a key, and have a quick and easy way to play or write over it.

Here are the videos that I've taught to lead up to this course.

A giant thank you to the following Patrons:
Linas Orentas
Marek Pawlowski
John Arnold
Christopher Swanson
Marc Bulandr
Bradley Bower
Alvaro Begue-Aguado
Don Watters
Don Dachenhousen III
Patrick Ryan

You can contact me directly at my twitter account or at my email found on my site.

Table of Contents:
00:00 Intro
00:55 How To Borrow from Minor Scales
05:55 Approved Borrowed Chords
07:40 Borrowing From Different Modes
10:58 Writing in Minor and Borrowing Chords
12:35 Wrapping Up

[janott]

Your videos are amazing!
Just one little nitpick/question (at 5:50), doesn't the Dorian mode also contain the bVII chord?

[Mooseboy]

Jake, I've been playing guitar for longer than you've been alive (unless you're a remarkably preserved 54 year old), but every time I watch one of your videos, I get great new ideas. I'm heading over to your Patreon now to help sponsor. Keep on keepin' on!

[radiozelaza]

I remember writing my first borrowed chord progression in 2002 and trying to explain to the guitarist that he has to play a melodic minor on that chord. Didn't know back then that rock'n'roll guitarists are not only ignorant of anything beyond blues pentatonic - but they also scoff at learning anything outside it

[nathan]

The amount of effort put into this video is amazing, actually recording songs to explain different borrowed chords, I'm learning so much thank you!!

[SignalsMusicStudio]

This video was copyright claimed before it even went public. I can't monetize it. If it weren't for my patreon supporters this would be on the shelf until the claim is settled, you can thank them for making it possible :).
EDIT- No harm done- Claim was removed within hours!

[kayve]

Your videos are really amazing, I spent 4 years in music school and learned a little, but with this 13 minute video I was like "what sorcery is this?" thank you so much sir, from the bottom of my heart.

[seiph]

The techno colored dog had me cracking up. Love it, Jake!

[Adarkjet]

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on modal chord progressions. I especially appreciate the little mini songs you create with vocals over them. Please give us more of these.

[filipbaader]

I don't comment often but i just wanted to tell you that this video is absolutely amazing. The amount of effort put into it is outstanding. I really loved how you showed each of the progressions in an actual composition. I would love if you'd do more videos like this in the future!

[ebeyslough]

Take a screenshot at 8:05
You're an amazing teacher of musical concepts. You really opened up a lot of doors for me personally for writing. Thank you.

[Arda.D]

Jake is a blessing for self taught amateur musicians like us, you’re an amazing man pal!

[soyginna]

You are a natural teacher, I wish I had had a teacher like you when I was younger.

[arnabnayek]

You’ve actually turned into an influencer for my work. Really very helpful things. Being a rock musician these things helped me a lot. Thank you. Peace. Love from India.

[yoyoflair]

INSANE insert of making a song... unbelievable gifts for us mortals.

[CrisKRA]

Thanks so much for this video Jake, I never understood why in some songs there would be a chord that wasn't in the key that the song supposedly was. I figured that the people writing the songs thought it just sounded cool, now I know that there is some theory behind it. Again, can't thank you enough

[bestiagrama]

Man you've just opened an entire universe of sounds for me O_O I'm stunned by the possilities. This is awesome!

[jimscobie]

Man, your knowledge is astounding. Hey, if you didn't already, can you make a video explaining how you gained all this knowledge? Such as, schooling, lessons, and such.

[MrMikomi]

The funny thing about playing non-diatonic chords (i.e. typically borrowed chords) is that when you first do it, it sounds weird. But when you hear it in a pop song you don't question it; you accept it. It's only by constantly experimenting with them, including analyzing sheet music for existing songs, that you can break through that. I think I'm getting there and it's quite liberating.

[contraproduction]

As a music producer these tutorials help me immensely you describe music theory better than almost anyone else on YouTube

[theolized]

I somehow keep rewatching this. It's a great video.