Understanding Common-Chord Modulations & Pivot Chords

A step-by-step explanation of the modulation in Cody Fry’s “I Hear a Symphony”

00:00 Overview and Free Guide
00:45 Overview of Modulation
01:25 Closely Related Keys
05:57 THE MODULATION
08:52 After the Modulation
10:32 Grab the Free Guide!

How does Cody Fry modulate from B-flat to E-flat in “I Hear a Symphony”? Today I’ll walk you through a step-by-step explanation of how he accomplishes this breathtaking modulation. By the end you’ll fully understand not only this modulation, but you’ll have the tools to understand all other common-chord modulations.

[tinikadavis]

this really shows rhe importance of being fluent with enharmonics to avoid confusing keys and tonal centres

[tinikadavis]

as a rule of thumb the pivot chord usually comes before the non-diatonic chord. Great set up or prepararion for a ii-V-I into the new key.

[tinikadavis]

And the pivot chord acts as a type of secondary dominant of in the original key. And again this affirms augmented chords being used for modulations and as a form substitution using the other two augmented chords from that D Augmented chord.