Chord ID 3.0 - User Guide and FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions - Chord ID

1. How to use cadences to identify chord function?
   
   When you identify a V or vii chord, the next chord frequently is a tonic (I or i) or sub-mediant (vi or VI) chord. An exception occurs if the next chord after the V or vii is a sub-dominant (IV or iv) or supertonic (ii or ii in which case a V or vii normally will immediately follow. There are exceptions to this rule, of course; but it can be helpful in chord function identification.
   
   
2. What is a borrowed chord?
   
   Levels 18 and following include borrowed chords.A borrowed chord is a chord spelled (borrowed) from the parallel scale. A parallel scale is the major or minor scale with the same first scale step. For example: C minor is the parallel scale of C Major.
   
   A borrowed chord replaces (or sometimes precedes or follows) a diatonic chord on the same scale step root. For example: when the immediate scale is major, ii may replace (use instead of) ii, iv may replace IV, VI may replace vi. Occasionally, III replaces iii, although this is less common. Sometimes v occurs in minor as does VII; but these are exceptions. v and VII may also be 'borrowed' but this use is rare.
   
   
3. How to spell a borrowed chord?
   
   Spell a borrowed chord from the parallel scale. If the immediate scale is major, the parallel scale is the minor scale with the same first scale step.
   
   The borrowed chord replaces (or sometimes precedes or follows) the diatonic chord on the same scale step root. For example: In C Major, spell the borrowed chord on the second scale step.
   
   The second scale step of C minor (the immediate parallel scale) is D. The chord on the second scale step of C minor is D, F, Ab.
   
   Therefore, the borrowed chord on the second scale step of C Major is D, F, Ab