Glossary
Closely Related Keys
Keys that share many common pitches and chord progressions, making transitions between them sound smooth and natural. They are typically only one accidental different from the original key.
Example:
Modulating from C major to G major is common because G major is a closely related key, sharing many notes and chords, making the transition seamless.
Distantly Related Keys
Keys that share few common pitches or chords, creating a sense of contrast, tension, or surprise when modulated to.
Example:
A sudden shift from C major to F# major would be a modulation to a distantly related key, creating a dramatic and unexpected sonic landscape.
Dominant Key
The key built on the fifth scale degree (the dominant) of the original key, a perfect fifth above the tonic.
Example:
For C major, G major is the dominant key, often used for modulations that create forward motion and a sense of anticipation.
Key Relationships
The connections and similarities between different musical keys, based on shared pitches, tonics, or modes.
Example:
Understanding the key relationships between C major and G major helps a composer plan a smooth transition in a sonata.
Mode
A type of scale that defines the melodic and harmonic characteristics of a piece, such as major, minor, Dorian, or Mixolydian.
Example:
The Lydian mode gives a piece a distinct, bright, and ethereal sound, different from a standard major scale.
Modulation
The process of changing from one musical key to another within a composition, adding variety, interest, and emotional depth.
Example:
A composer might use modulation to move from a bright major key to a darker minor key, changing the emotional landscape of the piece.
Parallel Keys
Keys that share the same tonic (root note) but differ in mode (e.g., major, minor).
Example:
A composer might shift from C major to C minor in a piece to create a sudden, darker mood, utilizing a parallel key relationship.
Pivot Chord
A chord that is diatonic (belongs) to both the original key and the new key, used to facilitate a smooth transition during modulation.
Example:
In a modulation from C major to G major, a G major chord (V in C, I in G) could serve as a pivot chord, easing the listener into the new key.
Relative Keys
A major key and a minor key that share the exact same key signature and pitches, but have different tonics.
Example:
A minor is the relative key of C major, meaning they both have no sharps or flats in their key signature, making them sound naturally connected.
Subdominant Key
The key built on the fourth scale degree (the subdominant) of the original key, a perfect fifth below the tonic.
Example:
In the key of C major, F major is the subdominant key, often providing a sense of relaxation or preparation before returning to the tonic.
Tonic
The central pitch or keynote of a scale or key, serving as the home base and point of resolution for a musical composition.
Example:
In the key of D major, D is the tonic note, providing a strong sense of arrival and stability.
Tritone
An interval spanning three whole steps (six half steps), often associated with dissonance and instability in Western music.
Example:
The interval from C to F# is a tritone, a dissonant sound that can create significant tension and drive in a musical passage.