7.3 Common Modulations

Closely related keys

Music most often modulates to closely related keys — those differing by one accidental: the dominant, subdominant, relative minor/major, and their neighbors.

To the dominant

In major, the most common modulation is to the dominant (V) key. In minor, pieces often move to the relative major (III), a bright, natural destination.

Recognizing a new key

Signs of modulation include new accidentals that persist, a cadence in the new key, and a shift in which pitch feels like 'home.'

Key terms

Closely related keys

differ by one accidental from the home key

Major-key modulation

most often to the dominant (V)

Minor-key modulation

often to the relative major (III)

Signs of modulation

persistent new accidentals + a cadence

Confirmation

a cadence in the new key

Try an AP-style question

Major-key pieces most commonly modulate to…

1. the subdominant (IV)
2. the dominant (V)
3. the leading tone key
4. the supertonic (ii)