Modal mixture

In music theory, modal mixture (sometimes a borrowed chord or modal interchange) is the practice of substituting a minor chord in for a major one or vice versa in any given key. In the key of F, one could substitute A for Am. This would be the use of modal mixture. In Cm, E could be substituted for the normal Ebm.

Example

In the song None by Elevation Church, the chorus features modal mixture.

            5
 You are the One
     6        4
 Who knows my need
           1
 Before I call
              5
 You tell the storm
      6       4
 When it will cease
           1
 Before it starts

         5
 The God above
     6        4
 Who searches me
           1
 Within my heart
             5
 The highest praise
    6     4
 Cannot proclaim
               1
 How great You are!

 [Chorus]
                  5-
 There is none like You
           4
 None like You
              1
 The faithful One
 1
 Jesus
                  5-
 There is none like You
           4
 None like You
              1
 The faithful One
 1
 Jesus

See also

• Nashville notation