Modulation
Modulation is a the practice of changing keys inside of a composition. This can be done for a variety of reasons, but its basic purpose is to contrast or create tension against the previous (and possibly even prior) key(s). Typical modulations are found when themes or sections change. They can also be used to seemingly add energy to a prior theme/section.
PreReqs
Common Modulations
Modulations usually take place between highly-related keys (those with the most common notes). See the table below.
| Key 2 Type | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key 1 Type | Key 2 Root's relation to Key 1 Root |
Major | Minor | Harmonic Minor |
| Major | ||||
| U | 7 | 4 | 5 | |
| m2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| M2 | 5 | 6 | 5 | |
| m3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | |
| M3 | 3 | 6 | 5 | |
| P4 | 6 | 3 | 3 | |
| tt | 2 | 4 | 4 | |
| P5 | 6 | 5 | 3 | |
| m6 | 3 | 2 | 3 | |
| M6 | 4 | 7 | 6 | |
| m7 | 5 | 2 | 4 | |
| M7 | 2 | 5 | 4 | |
| Minor | ||||
| U | 4 | 7 | 6 | |
| m2 | 5 | 2 | 4 | |
| M2 | 2 | 5 | 4 | |
| m3 | 7 | 4 | 5 | |
| M3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| P4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | |
| tt | 4 | 2 | 3 | |
| P5 | 3 | 6 | 5 | |
| m6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | |
| M6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | |
| m7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | |
| M7 | 3 | 2 | 3 | |
| Harmonic Minor | ||||
| U | 4 | 6 | 7 | |
| m2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | |
| M2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | |
| m3 | 6 | 4 | 4 | |
| M3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | |
| P4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | |
| tt | 4 | 3 | 4 | |
| P5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | |
| m6 | 5 | 3 | 4 | |
| M6 | 3 | 4 | 4 | |
| m7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | |
| M7 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |