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2. Arsenal Report
Pinnacle Treasure
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Take Four: Big Wheel
Hey, Welcome back! Last time we spoke, we got into majors and minors, chords and
progressions. I’m hoping you listened to some music. As we continue our journey, keep in mind
that you’re developing. It’s not supposed to be a quick
fi
x to problems, but a
fi
ne tuning to the
overall. Given that you’re following Artist development, I would assume longevity is your aim.
So let’s get to it.
Key Modulation & Technique
Key modulation refers to a change of key within a piece of music. It occurs when the tonal
center or the "home" key shifts to a di
ff
erent key. Key modulation can bring a sense of variety,
contrast, and emotional impact to a composition.
Here's an explanation of key modulation:
1. Modulation Techniques:
Common modulation techniques include:
- Direct modulation: The key change happens abruptly without any transitional chords.
- Pivot chord modulation: A chord that exists in both the original key and the new key is used
as a pivot point to smoothly transition between the two keys.
- Common-tone modulation: A sustained or repeated note/chord serves as a common tone
between the two keys, creating a smooth transition.
- Chromatic modulation: The key change occurs by using chromatic chords or chromatic
progressions that lead to the new key.
- Sequential modulation: A series of chords or progressions is used to modulate to a new key.
2. Purpose and E
ff
ects of Key Modulation:
- Key modulation is used to create variety, contrast, and interest within a piece of music.
- It can evoke di
ff
erent emotions or moods, as each key has its own unique characteristics
and tonal qualities.
- Key modulation can be used to highlight speci
fi
c sections, provide resolution or tension, or
create a sense of musical journey or progression.
3. Indications of Key Modulation:
- Look for changes in the tonal center, such as a shift in the prominent chords or a change in
the melody's tonal focus.

3. - Observe alterations in the key signature, such as the addition or reduction of sharps or
fl
ats.
- Pay attention to any new chords or progressions that are introduced, as they may indicate a
modulation.
- Listen for changes in the overall mood or emotional impact of the music that may result from
the key change.
4. Analysis and Identi
fi
cation:
- Analyze the chords, melody, and overall harmonic progression to identify the new key.
- Look for common chords or tonal centers that connect the original key to the new key.
- Consider the context of the music and any harmonic patterns or progressions that may
suggest a modulation.
It's important to remember that key modulation can be complex and may require a deeper
understanding. Active listening and analysis of various musical examples will help you students
develop your ability to identify and appreciate key modulation in di
ff
erent compositions.
Harmonic Patterns
A harmonic pattern refers to a recurring sequence or structure of chords or harmonic
progressions in a piece of music. It involves the arrangement and progression of chords that
create the harmonic foundation and support the melody.
Here are a few key points to understand about harmonic patterns:
1. Repetition: Harmonic patterns often exhibit repetition, where a speci
fi
c chord progression or
series of chords is repeated throughout a section or an entire piece of music. This repetition
helps provide a sense of familiarity and structure.
2. Sequence: A harmonic pattern can follow a speci
fi
c sequence, where a particular chord
progression is repeated but transposed to di
ff
erent keys or starting points. Sequences can
create a sense of musical motion or progression.
3. Cadences: Harmonic patterns often incorporate cadences, which are chord progressions
that create a sense of resolution or
fi
nality. Common cadences include the authentic cadence
(V-I), plagal cadence (IV-I), and deceptive cadence (V-vi).
4. Functional Harmony: Harmonic patterns are based on the principles of functional harmony.
They involve the movement of chords within a key or between keys, typically characterized by
the tonic (I), dominant (V), and subdominant (IV) chords.
5. Genre and Style: Di
ff
erent genres and musical styles may have their own characteristic
harmonic patterns. For example, the twelve-bar blues progression is a speci
fi
c harmonic
pattern commonly used in blues music, while the ii-V-I progression is frequently found in jazz.
Overall, harmonic patterns provide the underlying structure and progression of chords that
support the melody and contribute to the overall mood and character of a piece of music.
Analyzing and recognizing harmonic patterns can help deepen one's understanding of how
chords function and interact within a piece of music.

4. Listening Exercises
Examples of songs that e
ff
ectively use key modulation and harmonic patterns:
1. "Hey Jude" by The Beatles:
- This song features a key modulation from F major to F# major during the "Na na na na"
outro section. The modulation occurs through the use of pivot chords, speci
fi
cally the D major
chord, which serves as a pivot between the two keys.
2. "Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles:
- This jazz and blues standard incorporates a key modulation from F major to A-
fl
at major
during the bridge section. The modulation is achieved through the use of secondary
dominants, with the E7 chord leading to the A-
fl
at major key.
3. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey:
- This classic rock song utilizes a key modulation from E major to G major during the guitar
solo section. The modulation is achieved through a sequence of chords moving up by a fourth,
creating a smooth transition between the two keys.
4. "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers:
- This ballad incorporates a key modulation from C major to E-
fl
at major during the climax of
the song. The modulation is achieved through the use of chromatic mediants, transitioning
from C major to A-
fl
at major and then to E-
fl
at major.
5. "Piano Man" by Billy Joel:
- This folk rock song includes a key modulation from C major to C# major during the
instrumental interlude. The modulation is achieved through the use of a sequential progression,
with the chords moving up a half step in each repetition.
6. "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra:
- This jazz standard features a key modulation from C minor to D major during the
instrumental section. The modulation is achieved through modal interchange, borrowing chords
from the parallel major key to introduce a brighter tonality.
These songs demonstrate how key modulation and harmonic patterns can be e
ff
ectively used
to add variety, interest, and emotional impact to compositions across di
ff
erent genres.
Analyzing these examples can provide valuable insights into the application of these
techniques in real-world musical contexts.
Another challenge would be to locate more songs and listen. Continue to take notes. This is
your development. Don’t be discouraged by humbled beginnings. Appreciate the time to learn
and develop. Sharpening your tools makes more a clean cut.
Until next time, this has been your Arsenal Report: Take Four: Big Wheel, Powered By
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