Songwriting Secrets: Modulating Between Keys Using the 2 5 1 Progression

In this video I'd like to show you a really cool trick for modulating between keys using the 2 5 1 harmonic progression. Modulation is the big music-theory word for "key change". This can add tremendous harmonic interest to your progressions and songwriting. It relies on the 2-5-1 progression, so if you are not familiar with that concept, you should probably first watch my instructional video on the topic:

Modulating between two keys is a fundamental songwriting technique and any serious songwriter must familiarize him or herself with it. Professional songwriters use it all the time and, if done right, it is seamless and greatly boosts the harmonic richness of the composition. In fact, some songs modulate (i.e. change key) mid-verse and then change the key back again before the verse is over! That's right: modulating does not have to mean leaving the key you're in behind. Often, it is those quick modulations that only last a few bars that leave the greatest impression.

Watch this lesson and learn a great trick for harmonic modulation using one of the most famous progressions: the 2-5-1 progression. Examples included!

[definitiveentertainment]

One of the best intros to modulating key changes on YouTube. If you’re learning jazz, this is where you start.

[avedic]

Excellent! I absolutely love music theory. I write/record my own music...and when I first started 10 years ago, I thought, "I don't need music theory...I'll just play from my heart. I don't need those stuffy old rules. Music isn't about rules."
How wrong I was....  I soon realized how limited I was not knowing the theory. So...I invested thousands of hours of study into every aspect of music theory. Once my head was full to the brim, I could finally "forget" all the rules and simply play from my heart. But this time, those rules were deep within me...and came out without me trying.

The best composers are great because of HOW they break the rules. If you just break the rules as you wish...it'll sound chaotic and lame. But, if you break rules in creative interesting ways, it adds massive dimension to your music.
Modulation is something I haven't studied much....but I'm trying to dig into it now. This video sure helps.

For anyone who wishes to hear an amazing example of modulation in a pop song....listen to The Beatles' "Penny Lane." McCartney used TONS of modulation in that song....something like 7 or 8 key changes in the entire song. Yet, it's so tastefully and deftly done that the result still sounds smooth and harmonious. That song is a perfect case study for how modulation can add depth to a song.

[jaydelfin]

I love how it sounds and how it transposed in another key. The thing is all the outcome is very different but relaxing.

[southpark]

This teacher here in this video. I owe him big-time not just for the golden teachings in this video, but every other one of his videos. He REALLY knows music - and probably is prodigy material as well. It's an honour to see these videos.

[ayan]

2:56 is divine to listen and amazing to learn and play...! I have been learning music for past 10 years now and I have started learning music theory more deeper than ever. It is really amazing to unfold many such theory in music that actually add more depth to your music. Another great video from Mangold project. Thank you so much!

[emmentkou]

Thanks so so much.
Absolutely excellent, you make me understand theory perfectly in every tutorial.
I have fought how to change keys in my playing over years, yet i have not overcome.
What is shocking is that, i play all the 2 5 1 progressions in all twelve keys, but never knew i could change keys through this means.
You have helped me greatly improve my piano playing and here you are today again making another mark in my piano life.
Thanks so much sir.

[poposki]

You are one of the best music teacher ever. You have no idea how your previous tutorials have helped me. Thanks a lot for sharing.

[robinxpressions]

Total Respect! Thanks for teaching this technique. It's useful for both playing and songwriting. Thanks again

[gabriellabake]

Wow! I’ve always struggled with changing keys smoothly! This is genius!! You are awesome 😎

[MangoldProject]

Hi poposki,
Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it! I'm going to try and keep a more continuous presence here on Youtube in the future with new videos coming out every week or so.

[JohnsyOmniscient]

Thank you for this lesson, this is exactly what I was looking for.

[e]

This is the most helpful video I've watched on the subject so far, thanks man!

[MangoldProject]

Sorry for the crackles here and there, guys! I didn't calibrate the input levels on my sound card correctly so you'll here a few minor pops here and there.

[petedunckley]

Yes, I just tried it. It worked very well. Thank you very much. Very well explained. I look forward to more great tips.

AMAZING, watching this from Mexico in 2020, thank you!

[kpmtwo]

OMG thank you so much! I've been looking everywhere for someone to explain this 🙏🏻

[smiuw]

So you're back!! Great!!
Your way of teaching is amazing..

[rajnikantsavita]

Sir you are my first teacher of 🎹. U are very professional in music but decribing it in simple simple way.. thanks

[karlvernor]

Excellent video as always. You teach musical concepts that others try make out to be very difficult, which aren't when broken down. thanks again.
Btw, your new cat is adorable.

[missjoblue]

I understand it so much better now. Thank you!!