Four Simple Rules For Changing Keys in a Song

If there's one simple element that creates variety and interest in a song, it's a key change. This is known as modulation which is a change from one tonality (tonic, or tonal center) to another. It's not to be confused with transposition which is changing the key of music overall to accommodate an instrumentalist or singers voice.

Even though a key change can navigate in any direction, there are some rules that are often adhered to. But be aware that I just use the term "rules" loosely and I really prefer to call them guidelines.

Rule # 1 Changing to a closely related key

A key change can often occur to a closely related key. If you're in C Major, the key of A minor (relative minor) would be an example of this type of key change.Four Simple Rules For Changing Keys in a SongFour Simple Rules For Changing Keys in a Song

G Major to E minor is also another exampleFour Simple Rules For Changing Keys in a Song

As you can see these closely related keys have the same notes. Only the number sequence is different between these keys.

Rule # 2 Step Modulation

A key change can also occur step wise. This would be a modulation up or down a half step. This is essentially the opposite of a closely related key change. From C to C sharp Major would be an example of step wise modulation.Four Simple Rules For Changing Keys in a Songkey of c sharp major a visual way to learn all 12 major keys of music on the piano

E flat to E Major is another example of step wise modulation.Four Simple Rules For Changing Keys in a Song

You'll notice that moving in half steps results in moving to a key with very different notes than the one you're currently in.

Rule # 3 Circle of 5ths Modulation

Circular key change is modulating by use of the circle of 5ths. You can go in either direction around the circle. This way, you're still enacting a key change to a closely related key, but it's Major instead of minor.

You can modulate from any key to the next in any direction.

 

Rule # 4 Moving to a Parallel Minor key

A parallel minor key has different notes but share the same tonic (first note of the key) as the Major key. The main difference between them is the primary chords (the 1, 4, & 5 chords) are all Major in the Major key and of course minor in the minor key.Four Simple Rules For Changing Keys in a SongFour Simple Rules For Changing Keys in a Song

D Major to D minor is another example.Four Simple Rules For Changing Keys in a Song

Let me give you a bonus on executing a key change by showing you a very common modulation.

No matter what key you're actually modulating to, the goal is to make the key change as smooth as possible. You can accomplish this by moving to a specific chord in the key that you're modulating to.

Choose the key you wish to modulate to. Then find the 5 chord of that key. You can then move back to the 1 chord because the 5 chord in any key leads back to the 1 chord.

Let's say we're modulating to the key of C Major.Four Simple Rules For Changing Keys in a Song

The 5 chord is G Majorwhat is a chord-g major 5 chord in c major

Adding the flatted 7th tone to the 5 chord creates an even stronger pull towards the 1 chord. This is also known as the V7 chord.Transforming Boring Chord Progressions | The I to V7

From there of course, you'll go to the 1 chord which is C Major.Four Simple Rules For Changing Keys in a SongJust keep in mind that that a key change can occur to any key. But as with anything else, there are always common patterns. Look for these key changes the next time you play from a chord chart or lead sheet. The more you notice them, they'll become easier to add into other music that you play.

Until next time, Go Play!

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Greg Lee

Hi, my name is Greg Lee. I'm the creator of the Color Score Professional/Visual Chord Learning System. I love to share ideas and concepts about piano and keyboard playing in all styles of music. I believe the key to learning is having fun and making complicated things simple with visual tools and illustrations.

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