Thought it might be interesting to see how some of us approach modulating. I think most of us have a few preferred changes we use, but I'd love to her about what others do.

I use two different modulations for the most part.

One is to, in a turnaround, come off the 1 chord and pivot off of a 5 chord in the next highest key.

Ex: IN the key of C, pivot off a Ab chord and modulate the tune into the key of Db...

A second one I use is to pivot off a 6 chord and then continue in a new key two steps higher than where you started.

Ex: In the key of C, pivot off an A chord then modulate the tune into the key of D...

...not too sophisticated, but tried and true.

What are your favorites?

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Bill in Dayton

Sometimes, rather than modulating up a semi-tone on the turnaround, I modulate down a semi-tone...using the handy dandy transposer, of course.

Ian

I've been trying to do a ii V in the key that I am modulating to. I have to confess even though I have a solid understanding of transposition, I do use the transposer.

Doesn't a ii V (2 - 5) take you back to the 1?

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Bill in Dayton

I don't think the transpose button has anything to do with what Bill is talking about. That only assists you AFTER you've made the transition. I THINK he means, what changes do you play to transition smoothly from one key to another.

chas

You're right, Chas...I rarely use actual modulations anymore...mainly I use the transpose buttons to achieve them.

Ian

To clarify I'm not so interested in if you use the transpose button or not, but more how would you write it out on a chart for someone to follow you.

Sometimes I play it manually, sometimes I'll use the button.

I do think I have more options if I do it manually.

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Bill in Dayton

Playing in C Major modulating to the key of G Major.

1-End with a C chord then play Am7 D7 -- IIm7 V7

2-End with a C chord then play Bm7 E7-5 Am7 D7-5
IIIm7 VI7-5 IIm7 V7-5 Notice the chromatic bass line

3-End with a C chord then play Am7 Bm7 Bb13 Am7 Ab7
IIm7 IIIm7 bIII13 Im7 bII13

Or simply use the repeat ending that brings you back to the top,
Transposed to the key you are going to. (In this case G Major)

If you have enough imagination (You can hear the changes) the possibilities are limitless.

Although I do use the transpose button at times I try not to use it because there have been times when I got to the next song and forgot to turn it back.

John C.

And the rest of the guys in the band look at you real funny, too! Been there, done that, lol...

Good examples, John-Thanks...


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Bill in Dayton

quote:
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Originally posted by montunoman:
I've been trying to do a ii V in the key that I am modulating to. I have to confess even though I have a solid understanding of transposition, I do use the transposer.
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Doesn't a ii V (2 - 5) take you back to the 1?
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No, because I do the ii V in the new key. For example if I'm C and I want to change to C# I'll do a D#minor and G#dominant.

[This message has been edited by montunoman (edited 05-24-2010).]