1. A method for producing an image of a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the steps of the method comprising: a) determining at least two modes for driving a plurality of gradient coils that form a part of the MRI system in order to produce a respective at least two spatial encoding magnetic fields, each of the at least two modes describing a fixed relative weighting among the plurality of gradient coils; b) acquiring image data by directing the MRI system to perform a pulse sequence that includes applying a radio frequency (RF) excitation pulse and the at least two spatial encoding magnetic fields to the subject; and c) reconstructing an image of the subject from the acquired image data.