2 Ways to Accomplish Smooth Modulations

The definition of modulation is the process of transitioning from one key to another while playing a song. In this article, we will examine simple tips on modulating smoothly while playing a musical piece. However, before we proceed I would like to point out that while modulation is similar to transposition, there are significant differences between the two.  The similarity between the two is the process of “changing keys”.

When we look at transposition, it literally means taking all chords and scales in a song and playing them in another key. In contrast, modulation is the act of transitioning from one key to another while playing a song. In the case of modulation, the chords and scales may not be the same since the concept of modulation simply means to move to another key.

Transposition says we no longer want the song in the key of F, we now want it in the key of F#. Therefore, we transform or transpose everything we did in the key of F to the key of F#.

Modulation says we are playing in the key of F, however at some point we want to go to the key of F# (new key).

Having cleared that, it is critically important to note that the art of modulating smoothly while playing is an essential skill that a musician should have in his/her arsenal. In this article, we will examine two methods to modulate smoothly using simple techniques.

The 5-5 (new key) Technique

The 5 – 5 (new key) Technique: I like to refer to this as the 5 – 5 technique because this pattern of modulating quickly takes you from the “5 chord” of the original key to the “5 chord” of the new key, and finally proceeds to the “1 chord” of the new key. For a superior transitioning effect we will play suspended 2nd chords on the “5 chord” of both keys before finally resolving to the “1 chord” of the new key.

For example, the 1 – 6 – 4 – 5 chord progression below moves from the key of C to C# (Db) as follows:

Cmaj – Amin – Fmaj – Gmaj

Cmaj – Amin – Fmaj – Gmaj >> modulates >> Abmaj (“5 chord” of new key)

Dbmaj – Bbmin – Gbmaj – Abmaj [EVERY CHORD HERE IS IN THE NEW KEY Db (C#)]

 

 

This 5-5 (new key) technique works whenever and/or wherever you are modulating. However, it works best on half-step modulations (next immediate key) such as we did in the above example.

 

The 2-5-1 Chord Progression in the NEW KEY Starting from a Suitable Point of the Original Key

This technique may appear to be a bit methodical, however it is a simple and innovative way to modulate smoothly, especially to keys that are far away from the original key.

Assuming you are playing the same 1-6-4-5 progression we did in the key of C before, we could easily choose a suitable point from the chord progression and slot in the 2-5-1 of the new key. Let’s look at the key of Eb major.

Here is the concept:

First, the 1 – 6 – 4 – 5 Chord Progression.

Next, the 1 – 6 >> modulates >> 2 (new key) – 5 (new key)

1 – 6 – 4 – 5 [EVERY CHORD HERE IS IN THE NEW KEY]

The interpretation using the key of C major going to the key of Eb major will be as follows:

Cmaj – Amin – Fmaj – Gmaj

Cmaj – Amin >> modulates >> Fmin (2) – Bbmaj (5)

Eb (1) – Cmin – Abmaj – Bbmaj [EVERY CHORD HERE IS IN THE NEW KEY “Eb”]

 

 

While using this modulation trick, there are two things to keep in mind. You want to use the suitable “MODULATION POINT” and “BEAT”.

The Modulation Point:

The Modulation point will need to be derived from the ROOT of a particular chord in the previous key that fits in with the root of the first chord. This would be the “2 Chord” of the key we are modulating to.

Our previous example using the key of C major and then moving to the key of Eb major shows:

Cmaj – Amin – Fmaj – Gmaj

Cmaj – Amin >> modulates >> Fmin (2) – Bbmaj (5)

Eb (1) – Cmin – Abmaj – Bbmaj [EVERY CHORD HERE IS IN THE NEW KEY “Eb”]

Note that the Fmin (2 chord) of the new key holds same root “F” of the original key.

Normally, there would have been the F major chord there (4 chord of key C), however we played the F minor chord instead because it is the diatonic “2 chord” of the new key of Eb major. This then gives a connecting effect, because the F major and F minor chord has just one difference, the “3rd” which is the middle note in both chords in root position.

 

The Beat:

In the example below, we have 4 chords on each line, just as we did earlier.

Cmaj – Amin – Fmaj – Gmaj

Cmaj – Amin >> modulates >> Fmin (2) – Bbmaj (5)

Eb (1) – Cmin – Abmaj – Bbmaj [EVERY CHORD HERE IS IN THE NEW KEY “Eb”]

Each chord goes for a count (clap) out of 4 based on its position. You may also use a Metronome to count. The modulation above maintains the same count. Here, we substituted the F major chord with F minor chord (maintains the count number “3”). Next, we substituted the G major chord for the Bb major chord (maintains the count number “4”). A new count “number 1” started again where the Eb major chord is played and continues until we get to count number “4” where the Bb major chord is featured as the last chord.

In summary, while using the 2 – 5 – 1 chord modulation principle, you should remember the “SUITABLE MODULATION POINT” as well as to keep “THE BEAT”. In this case, it is actually easier done than said. Please keep in mind that there are many ways to modulate smoothly, but this is a great starting point. It’s advisable to use the 5 – 5 (new key) technique most often as most modulations in songs are done in half-steps (next immediate key). The latter technique comes in handy when skipping keys more than a half-step apart.

Here is a quick drill for you:

Use the 2 – 5 – 1 chord progression of the new key of Ab major to modulate from the key of F major.

Have a great time practicing!

2 thoughts on “2 Ways to Accomplish Smooth Modulations”

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.