Can a song swith in between keys?

Question

When composing, can a song start in one key and change into another key? If so what are the rules - which key can I change to etc...

Answer 1

To give you an example go on youtube and type in this ;

Liona Boyd plays Spanish Romance, The first part is in one key, ( F ) and as you'll see the second is in another, ( E). As for the rules, get a book on song writing, it would take up too much time to try and explain it all to you here, good luck !!!!!!!!!!! This woman is to me the best classical guitarist in the world, wait until you hear her tremolo.   P. S. Her name is spelled with an i not an e, everyone thinks that I'm spelling it wrong, but this is how she spells it !!!!!!!!

Answer 2

A song can switch to another key.

This progression is good in the key of C for example

Cmajor7--Fmajor7--G7--Cmajor7

Dminor7--G7-C7-F7-Bflatmajor7

It is all about tri-tone resolution. You can use tonic chords. sub-dominant chords, and Dominant chords.

The key of C major for instance

C major seven - tonic

D minor seven- sub-dominant

E minor seven -tonic

F maor seven -sub- dominant

G dominant seven- dominant

A minor seven- tonic

B minor sevenflat five (diminished seventh)

The theory states: tonic chords, sub domnant chords, dominant chords and tonic chords

Sub dominant chords can go down the cycle five eg. C7,F7, which resolves to its home key of B flat major.

That is one of the basic theories to follow.

Good luck with your composing

ironman

Answer 3

Modulation is quite a big topic but here are some ideas and techniques.

Direct Mod

Modulation may occur directly from any diatonic chord

eg: Cmaj7 G7 Cmaj7 Dmaj7 A7 Dmaj7

Using Subdominants

That's your A7 example in C which takes you to the key of D. But you can apply this to all other chords in C.

C7 (I7) leads to F; D7 (II7) leads to G; E7 (III7) leads to B; F7 (IV7 is a special case) but can lead to Bb; B7 leads to E.

Using Pivot Chords

Chords that function in the original key and in the new key

Cmaj7 G7 Cmaj7 Am7 D7 Gmaj7

The Am7 is the VI in C and the II in G.

Transitional Mod

Cmaj7 Dm7 G7 Cm7 F7 Bbm7 Eb7 Abmaj7

starting out from C major there are bunch of II-Vs that lead to the new tonal centre of Ab major

and last but not least:

Deceptive

A Dominant chord can also be resolved in a few different ways, eg down a half step.

Cmaj7 G7 Gbmaj7

or up a half

Cmaj7 G7 Abmaj7

the easiest ways is to write out all the chords that belong to both keys then use the common chord between the two to bridge the modulation.

good example for key change is sonic Youths my friend goo, where it lends a real essense of threat to the track

Answer 4

Yes it can.  The term for changing keys is called modulation.  You move up or down as a progression that should sound good within the music.  It can create a mood or emphasize some of the words.  Use a key change to make a bridge between verses or as a Coda.   Try getting some sheet music by Barry Manilow and study how he does it.  Every song he writes has at least one key change in it. Most of the time he just switches keys  from one chord to the next, but sometimes it builds over several measures too.  His songs are corny but the music is well written and the melodies are memorable.Study his technique but then write in your own style.  Good luck

Answer 5

A song can switch between keys.  As far as rules, obviously it should naturally move from one to the other, a progression, either from high to low or low to high.... what ever suits the melody and harmony best.

Have fun composing!

Answer 6

I'm pretty sure you can do this.  Not sure of the rules though.  I think, maybe changing to a nearby key. Take a look at some old music, beethoven Handel etc. They've all done up, and see how it works.  Often before the key change, it is bought in gradually anyway.  On the paper, the key hasn't changed, but in the music that is played it has. , you see lots of natural notes, and extra sharps/flats being put in there, that, it makes sense to change the key, so, if nothing else, the music is easier to read!

Answer 7

Yes, if you're looking for an easy way to change key, go up a 5th.