The Minor 4 Chord in a Major Key

Lesson Goal: To internalize the one of the most commonly “borrowed” chords–the Minor 4 Chord in a Major Key… by ear, intellect, eye, and muscle…

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A Typical Minor 4 Chord in a Major Key Chord Progression

Here’s an 8 bar chord progression using the minor 4 chord (iv) in the key of C Major…

Chord Progression Letter Names: [C|C7/E|F|Fm|C/G|G|G7|C|%]

Chord Progression Roman Numeral Analysis: [I|I7/3|IV|iv|I/5|V7|C|%]

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What does the Minor 4 Chord Do in a Major Key?

The Fm chord (iv), “borrowed” from the parallel minor key of C minor, performs at least five functions:

1. Changes the mood to melancholy or bittersweet.
2. Drives the harmony forward.
3. Creates more harmonic interest.
4. Connects the F chord (IV) to the C chord (I).
5. Inserts the La-Le-So melodic fragment.
6. Can you think of some others?

It’s not enough to just “get” the theory. What really matters here is not what things are called, but what they DO and what they sound and feel like!

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Real World Examples of the Minor 4 Chord Used in a Major Key

“The Entertainer” (Scott Joplin)

The last four bars of the A Section…

Study Notes

• Key: C Major
• Chord Progression: [C C7/Bb |F/A Fm/Ab|C/G G| C %]
• RNA: [I-I7/b7|IV/3 iv/b3|I/5 V7| I %]
• Notice the clever bass line built by inverting the chords!

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“Bridge Over Troubled Water”

Last few bars

Study Notes

• Key: Eb Major
• Chord Progress: [Ab|Ab Abm | Eb | % ]
• RNA: Ab=IV, Abm=iv, Eb=I
• Notice how the melodic bass line clearly outlines the harmony by placing primary chord tones on the strong beats.

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Anyone out there have other examples to share? (Frank would be happy to add them to this lesson)

return to… Chords & Chord Progressions