In this tutorial we will look at the idea of borrowed chords, what they are, and where we borrow these chords from. This makes use of the parallel major and minor keys.

What are Borrowed Chords?

Borrowed chords are harmonies “borrowed” from the parallel key—meaning the major and minor keys that share the same tonic.

We can temporarily pull a chord from that parallel system, in order to introduce colors, moods, and expressive shifts that aren’t available in the home key alone. The tonic stays the same, so the listener still feels grounded even as the harmony takes on a new emotional shade.

What are the Parallel Keys?

This is a relatively simple concept to grasp.

If we are in a major key then the parallel minor of that key is the minor key with the same tonic, so for example if we are in C major, then the parallel minor is C minor.

If we are in a minor key then the parallel major of that key is the major key with the same tonic, so for example if we are in A minor, then the parallel major is A major.

Why use Borrowed Chords

Borrowed chords enrich a progression by adding contrast, surprise, or a touch of drama. They’re especially common in film music, pop ballads, jazz, and classical repertoire because they allow composers to momentarily darken or brighten the harmony without fully modulating to a different key.

A simple I–IV–V progression can suddenly feel more cinematic when the IV becomes iv, or more wistful when a ♭VI or ♭VII appears.

Borrowed chords expand our palette, giving us expressive tools that feel both fresh and familiar—perfect for creating memorable harmonic moments.

This is most common when in a major key and we borrow the darker palette of the minor mode.

Borrowed chords work because the ear accepts the tonic as home, even when the harmony momentarily shifts to a different mode. This creates expressive contrast without losing the sense of key.

Why Borrowed Chords Matter

Borrowed chords give us

• Instant color — a major key suddenly feels more emotional, bluesy, or cinematic.
• Smooth voice‑leading — many borrowed chords share tones with diatonic chords.
• Stronger pull to the tonic — especially ♭VI and ♭VII, which create powerful resolutions.
• Modal flavor — Dorian, Phrygian, Aeolian, and even harmonic minor colors become available.

They’re essential in rock, film scoring, jazz, pop, and classical harmony.

Borrowed chords are one of the fastest ways to add expressive depth to our harmony without changing keys. They let us blend major brightness with minor richness, giving our progressions a more mature, cinematic, or emotionally nuanced sound.

Now we have seen what borrowed chords are we will look at some examples and how they work in practice, then how we can use them in our own songwriting.

If you would like to see specific examples of borrowed chords and how to use them in your own music, please consider the full tutorial in my Buy Me A Coffee Shop.