Chapter XI

Modal Interchange Chords and Modulation Processes

Modal borrowing, common clichés and the mechanics of modulation

16.1 Modal Interchange: Borrowing Between the Parallel Major and Minor Modes

Modal interchange (or modal borrowing) occurs when a composer "borrows" chords from a parallel mode to enrich the harmony.

16.2 Analysis of the Most Frequent Modal Interchange Chord Clichés

IVm (minor subdominant): In C major, Fm replaces Fmaj7.
bVImaj7 (major submediant with major seventh): In C major, Abmaj7.
bVIImaj7 (lowered leading tone): In C major, Bbmaj7.

"Modal interchange enriches the harmonic palette, letting the composer move between the brightness of the major and the depth of the minor without leaving the tonal centre."

— Renê Aparecido Bueno, Chapter XI