BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
10226 / 18210 · Workshop 84 — Modulation Architecture: Pivot Chords, Direct Modulation, Common-Tone Modulation, Sequential Modulation, and Making Key Changes Feel Inevitable← prev⊞ allnext →

84.85Level 54 — choose modulation distance by narrative

Small distance:

semitone = lift/tension.

whole step = expansion.

relative = smooth psychological shift.

parallel = mood transformation.

third = cinematic surprise.

tritone = destabilization.

These are tendencies, not rules.