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To find closely related keys, take a look at their chords! Let’s use C Major as an example. Modulating to a Closely Related KeyĬlosely Related Keys are keys that share many common tones with one another. In this situation, F# Minor is technically “borrowing” the IV chord from F# Major (B Major). Using the same example, “Happy Together” uses a B Major chord as a transition between F# Minor and F# Major. The dominant chord can be used to transition from one key to the next, however, you can also borrow chords from the parallel major/minor key to make the switch. This makes the overall harmonic structure very similar. Modulating to a Parallel Key is another easy task because Parallel Keys share the same dominant chord. The verses are in F# Minor, but as soon as the chorus hits, there is a switch to F# Major. One of the best demonstrations of Parallel Key Modulation can be found in the song “ Happy Together” by The Turtles. For example, the parallel key of G Major is G Minor. Parallel keys are major scales and a minor scales that have the same tonic. One of the reasons this particular modulation is so effective is because you don’t even get an E♭ chord until the chorus. The verses are in C Minor while the chorus is in E♭ Major. However, since both keys share the same key signature, it can be hard to tell if the song is modulating or not.Ī great example of a song that modulates to a relative key is “ Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake. Modulating from a major key to its relative minor (or vice versa) is one of the easiest ways to perform modulation because the obstacle of changing to a key with different accidentals does not exist. The Circle of Fifths easily identifies relative keys.
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Relative keys are the major and minor scales that have the same key signatures, for example, D Major and B Minor (both keys have two sharps). But don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’re going to give you a complete guide to musical modulation, and hopefully, inspire you to try it in your compositions! Modulating to a Relative Key But with so many different ways to modulate, it can get a little confusing. Have you ever heard an epic key change that made a pretty good song instantly legendary? Modulation ( the act or process of changing from one key to another) in music is always a pleasant surprise to listeners as well as an excellent tool for songwriters and musicians.
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