6.1 Diatonic Modulation

Diatonic modulation is all about smoothly shifting from one key to another using shared chords. It's like finding a secret passage between two musical rooms, where the pivot chord acts as the hidden door.

Understanding key relationships is crucial for successful modulations. Closely related keys, like those a fifth apart, make for easier transitions. The circle of fifths is your roadmap, showing you which keys are neighbors and how to navigate between them.

Pivot Chords and Common Chord Modulation

Common Chord Modulation Techniques

Top images from around the web for Common Chord Modulation Techniques

• 

  Tonicization – Open Music Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Extended Tonicization and Modulation to Closely Related Keys – Open Music Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tonicization – Open Music Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tonicization – Open Music Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Extended Tonicization and Modulation to Closely Related Keys – Open Music Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Common Chord Modulation Techniques

• 

  Tonicization – Open Music Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Extended Tonicization and Modulation to Closely Related Keys – Open Music Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tonicization – Open Music Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tonicization – Open Music Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Extended Tonicization and Modulation to Closely Related Keys – Open Music Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Common chord modulation uses a pivot chord to smoothly transition from the original key to the new key
• Pivot chords function as a harmonic link between the two keys, belonging to both the original and new key
• Smooth voice leading is crucial in common chord modulation to create a seamless transition between keys
• Involves a gradual shift in the tonal center from the original key to the new key, establishing a new tonic

Identifying and Utilizing Pivot Chords

• Pivot chords are harmonies that exist in both the original key and the new key, serving as a bridge between them
• Common pivot chords include the ii, iii, IV, V, and vi chords, as they often appear in multiple keys
• Analyzing the harmony and identifying potential pivot chords is essential for planning modulations
• Pivot chords should be strategically placed to create a natural and convincing transition between keys (ii chord in C major pivoting to G major)

Key Relationships in Diatonic Modulation

Closely Related Keys

• Closely related keys are those that share many common tones and have a strong harmonic relationship
• Keys that are a perfect fifth apart (C major and G major) or have a relative major/minor relationship (C major and A minor) are considered closely related
• Modulating to closely related keys is smoother and more natural due to the shared harmonic vocabulary
• Closely related keys have many common chords, making it easier to find suitable pivot chords for modulation

Circle of Fifths and Key Relationships

• The circle of fifths is a visual representation of the relationships between keys, arranged by ascending or descending perfect fifths
• Keys adjacent to each other on the circle of fifths are closely related and share many common tones (C major and G major)
• Moving clockwise on the circle of fifths represents modulating to the dominant key, while moving counterclockwise represents modulating to the subdominant key
• The circle of fifths helps composers understand key relationships and plan modulations based on the desired harmonic distance between keys

Diatonic Modulation and Key Signatures

• Diatonic modulation involves changing keys within the diatonic scale, using only the seven pitches of the new key
• Key signatures indicate the sharps or flats associated with a particular key, reflecting the diatonic pitches of that key
• When modulating to a new key, the key signature changes to reflect the accidentals of the new key (C major to G major adds one sharp)
• Understanding key signatures and their relationships is crucial for correctly notating and analyzing diatonic modulations in a score