From the course: The Songwriter's Toolkit: New Perspectives
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Half-step modulation - Sibelius Tutorial
From the course: The Songwriter's Toolkit: New Perspectives
Half-step modulation
- [Instructor] We've looked at how you can use form and melody to create additional excitement in your songs. Harmony is a much more subtle and complex tool, but it can be just as effective in adding depth and drama to your music. One of the most tried and true ways we're able to create drama in a song is through the use of modulation. I cover modulation to a great extent throughout my music theory for songwriters harmony course. Most often modulation is referred to as the moment when a song's melody and chords shift up a half step. We hear half-step modulations all the time in pop music. Some famous songs that use half-step modulation to great effect are Cheap Trick's "Surrender," Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," and Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You." Let me show you how we can do a half-step modulation with our old friend, "I'm Crying Because You Made Me." Let me refresh you with how the chorus of that song goes. ♪ The tears in my eyes ♪ ♪ Are not a surprise ♪…
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