BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
10251 / 18210 · Workshop 84 — Modulation Architecture: Pivot Chords, Direct Modulation, Common-Tone Modulation, Sequential Modulation, and Making Key Changes Feel Inevitable← prev⊞ allnext →

84.110The four stages of modulation

Think:

1. Old gravity

listener knows home.

2. Weakening

old center becomes less dominant.

3. New clues

new leading tones, bass roots, chords, motifs appear.

4. Confirmation

new tonic receives cadence, duration, repetition, or structural emphasis.

This is more useful than merely locating the pivot chord.