A system and method for parallel imaging is disclosed that generates linear combination coefficient weights by solving systems of linear equations formulated with correlation values. An MRI apparatus includes a computer programmed to acquire MR data from an imaging volume for a plurality of encoding locations using an array of RF receiver coils. Correlation values are calculated from the MR data. From these calculated correlation values, synthesis weights are generated. An image is then reconstructed based on an application of the synthesis weights to at least a portion of the MR data acquired from the array of RF receiver coils.