Definition of Modulation (music)
In music, modulation is the change from one tonality (either a tonic or a mode, or both) to another. This may or may not be accompanied by a change in key signature (a key change). Modulations articulate or create the structure or form of many pieces, as well as add interest. Treatment of a non-tonic chord as a temporary tonic, for less than a phrase, is considered tonicization.
Modulation is the essential part of the art. Without it there is little music, for a piece derives its true beauty not from the large number of fixed modes which it embraces but rather from the subtle fabric of its modulation.
Related terms
Ditonic scale
A ditonic scale is a musical scale or mode with two notes per octave. This is in…
Tritonic scale
A tritonic scale is a musical scale or mode with three notes per octave. This is in…
Tetratonic scale
A tetratonic scale is a musical scale or mode with four notes per octave. This is in…
Harmony
In music, harmony is the concept of combining different sounds in order to create new…
Mediant
In music, the mediant (Latin: "being in the middle") is the third scale degree of a…
Subdominant
In music, the subdominant is the fourth tonal degree of the diatonic scale. It is so…
Supertonic
In music, the supertonic is the second degree of a diatonic scale, one whole step above…
Tonality flux
Tonality flux is Harry Partch's term for the kinds of subtle harmonic changes that can…
Picardy third
A Picardy third, (; French: tierce picarde) also known as a Picardy cadence or Tierce de…
Questions people ask
Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
- How many types of modulation are there? · Music SE
- When did the half-step/whole-step modulation in the middle of a song become popular? · Music SE
- What is the "level" of Frequency Modulation of many synthesizers? · Sound Design SE
- How do you create Single Sideband Modulation (SSB)? · Sound Design SE
- Data modulation over Bluetooth headset profile? · Electronics SE
- What is the use of R5, C4, C2, R6, R5, D1 in the below amplitude modulation circuit? · Electronics SE
Frequently asked questions
What is Modulation (music)?
In music, modulation is the change from one tonality (either a tonic or a mode, or both) to another. This may or may not be accompanied by a change in key signature (a key change).
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Modulation (music) – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Hyacinth – Public domain