Contents:
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Modulation using the V7 chord
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Modulation Using Common Chords
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Modulationg To The Parallel Key
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Modulation Using Diminished Chord
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Theoretical Explanation
Modulation is simply the act of changing keys. There are lots of methods to modulation and there will be a few methods covered here. However, these are simply suggestions not rules. In music there are no hard fast rules and "good" is very subjective, so if it sounds good to
you, then it is good.
Modulation using the V7 chord
One method of modulation takes advantage of
tendency tones which have a strong pull towards another tone. The V7 chord contains tendency tones within the chord and by playing a V7 chord, you will create a very strong pull towards the tonic in that key. For example, just by playing a G7 chord, you will establish C as being the tonic and then when you play the C you have satisfied that resolution. If you play a D7 chord, you establish G as the root. Taking advantage of the V7’s pull towards the tonic is a popular method for changing keys, because at anytime in a given song you can substitute in a V7 chord of whatever key you want to change to and then play the I from that key and you are now in the new key. You don’t even have to play the I after the V7 chord... Although that would provide the best resolution, you don’t necessarily “have” to resolve it to move into the new key (remember there are no hard fast rules.)
Ok, time for an example chord progression to hear it and put it into practice!
C G F A7 D A G G7 C
The first 3 chords are in C major and then the A7 transitions into D major. The next 3 chords are in D major and then the G7 transitions back into C major and it ends on C.
That's all there is to it. You can use the V7 chord to transition into any key you want to play.