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Understanding Harmonic Modulations
Rating: 4.9 out of 5(9 ratings)
73 students

Understanding Harmonic Modulations

Navigate complex harmonic concepts with ease!
Created byJosh Cook
Last updated 1/2025
English

What you'll learn

  • Expand your chord progressions
  • Uitilise harmonic modulations as a tool to change keys
  • Learn how to transition between song sections using harmonic choices
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the tension and release of harmony

Course content

2 sections • 11 lectures • 1h 34m total length

  • What is a Harmonic Modulation?7:44

    In this class we'll discuss what a harmonic modulation is, when to use it, and different ways of applying the theory surrounding this harmonic concept.

  • Harmonic Modulation Analogies8:54

    I've always loved analogies as a way of taking a more dense theoretical concept, and thinking of it in a more simple light. 
    In this class I aim to simply your way of thinking of harmonic modulations in such a way that you're ready to jump into this topic with confidence.

  • V7 (Dominant 7th Chords)18:58

    One of the most classic modulators, the dominant 7th works equally well in both major and minor keys.

  • vii° (Diminished 7th Chord)19:45

    When you're looking to modulate using a sound that' smore spooky and tense, the diminished 7th chord is the perfect choice.

  • IV (The 4 Chord)6:21

    This modulation is soft, and warm sounding, and is a great choice for modulating in soul, rnb and church music.

  • LA V5:29

    Let's take this chord used in LA in the 80's and use it as a modulator.  From Elton John, to musical theatre, this chord is heard throughout many styles.

  • iv68:03

    This chord, used plenty in the romantic era, is a great way to add sophistication and intrigue to your modulations.

  • ii7b58:19

    This is the chord of the romantic era.  Composers like Chopin, Liszt, and Tchaikovsky would frequently use this chord as part of the sound of that era.  It just so happens that this chord is also a great modulator!

  • Prolonged Tension5:11

    Sometimes we don't have to modulate right away.  Why don't we linger in the tension for a while?

Requirements

  • You should know how conventional western chord progressions are formed and the way they are notated (ie. I-V-I)
  • You'll need to know your basic major and minor chords, as we'll be expanding from those sounds

Description

Let's get talking about harmonic modulations!

This harmonic device can be used for many functions within music composition, from expanding chord progressions to smoothing out the harmonic shifts between different sections of a song.  From Bach to The Beatles, these harmonic modulations are used in tons of styles of music! 

Any modern composer, producer, or performer can benefit from this concept of modulating, or magnetically pulling into chords or different keys.  This harmonic push and pull allows the composer/player to lure the listener in with interesting shifts in harmony.

Each class will break down the sound of the modulator giving multiple examples, and explain how to think of the modulator's sound so that you can compartmentalize its sound for later use.

We will cover these fundamental chords that can act as modulators.

V7
vii°7
IV
LA V
iv6
iivb5
+prolonged tension


So whether you use modulations to connect sections of a symphony, seamlessly move between a chorus and a bridge of a rock song, expand your chord progressions, or better understand the complex music of J.S. Bach, this course will help you gain theoretical knowledge that will aid you in numerous facets in your musical exploration.


So if you're ready to nerd out with me and pay your harmonic dues, this is the right class for you.  I look forward to teaching you about this concept as it's something I'm sure you'll get plenty of use out of!

Who this course is for:

  • Pianists/keyboardists
  • Composers looking to expand their compositional vocabulary
  • Music producers that wish to deeper their understanding of music theory
  • Music theorists with a curiosity for knowledge

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