Modulation
The process of changing from one key to another within a piece
Category
keys
Pronunciation
mod-yoo-LAY-shun
Origin
Latin
Length
101 words · 1 min read
About Modulation
Modulation is one of the most powerful tools in a composer's arsenal. It creates large-scale tonal contrast and drama.
More keys terms
Chromatic
View all keysterms →Pertaining to notes outside the prevailing key or diatonic scale.
TranspositionMoving a passage of music up or down in pitch by a fixed interval
TonicisationThe brief treatment of a non-tonic chord as a temporary tonic through the use of its own dominant or leading note.
Parallel KeyA major and minor key that share the same tonic note but have different key signatures, such as C major and C minor.
Circle of FifthsA diagram arranging all twelve major and minor keys by ascending perfect fifths, showing their key-signature relationships.
Synonyms
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v1 · 09/04/2026Browse all terms →