Music theory - Multiple keys in a song

[jakswag]

do you guys ever use multiple keys in a song? just never really thought about it, like how keys have relative keys and how they could be perhaps used together. I couldn't find any solid info so hopefully some music theory wizard can take the lead in explaining what im trying to question. so theoreically if you used a key for 4 bars of a song for example (not that it really mattershow long before the transistion) then transition to another relating key then maybe switch back. COULD that sound 'correct' and possibly make for pleasant interesting usage? or not? or perhaps between intro an drops or choruses and stuff. thanks.

[mks]

In the olden days before dubstep, there existed such a thing as chord changes.

I think it may be possible once again.

[jakswag]

looooooool. well i'm all about melodies and very musical sounding MOOOSIC! even if it is wonky donky dubstepar00z and i will look into it

[zosomagik]

Theres relative major and minor keys, and the modes of those. changing keys though is called key modulation, and there are vertain techniques on how to approach it.

[Mordern]

You can definitely use different keys in a tune. You can probably experiment with it until you find something that works, but it's easier to pull off if you know some basic music theory. Are you familiar with chord functions, etc?

[Add9]

I think exploring the idea of a key change would be more effectively done throughout an EP over the course of several tracks. Most classical music is much longer than a dubstep track, and so it gives the composer a lot more time to develop ideas which is why I think key changes are much more common in classical music. Of course you can find 3-4 minute Bach preludes that modulate keys successfully, but that's cause Bach was a fucking beast.

In general though I think you need some amount of time to establish both keys in order to make a key transition successful, and I'm not sure the common length of a dubstep tune (3-4) provides enough time. Just my opinion though, feel free to prove me wrong! Also, there is no rule that says you can't have a 15-minute dubstep track so that's another possibility.

[Tektrix]

I think exploring the idea of a key change would be more effectively done throughout an EP over the course of several tracks. Most classical music is much longer than a dubstep track, and so it gives the composer a lot more time to develop ideas which is why I think key changes are much more common in classical music. Of course you can find 3-4 minute Bach preludes that modulate keys successfully, but that's cause Bach was a fucking beast.

In general though I think you need some amount of time to establish both keys in order to make a key transition successful, and I'm not sure the common length of a dubstep tune (3-4) provides enough time. Just my opinion though, feel free to prove me wrong! Also, there is no rule that says you can't have a 15-minute dubstep track so that's another possibility.

I like the idea of exploring key changes over an EP, never thought of doing that. Although I have to disagree on not being able to effectively change keys during a 3-4min song it's done quite a bit in rock/pop. The Who manage 3 key changes very well in My Generation

[jakswag]

I think exploring the idea of a key change would be more effectively done throughout an EP over the course of several tracks. Most classical music is much longer than a dubstep track, and so it gives the composer a lot more time to develop ideas which is why I think key changes are much more common in classical music. Of course you can find 3-4 minute Bach preludes that modulate keys successfully, but that's cause Bach was a fucking beast.

In general though I think you need some amount of time to establish both keys in order to make a key transition successful, and I'm not sure the common length of a dubstep tune (3-4) provides enough time. Just my opinion though, feel free to prove me wrong! Also, there is no rule that says you can't have a 15-minute dubstep track so that's another possibility.

ah, that sounds like a great idea tbh and yeah, i understand that key changes in classical music are probably more traditional but i think the main answer i was looking for, was, do most today's producers do more key changes than i'm aware of and i limiting my musical potential by not incorporating such ideas. though i do play along to some of the artists i like and haven't ome across any key changes, so.

and @ modern, yeah i have a decent understanding i studied music at college which helped a bit with my theory and i have an alright ability to make progressions and melodies but i'm looking to expand what i've learned thanks guys, appreciate the answers!

[gabosht]

It's pretty standard in a lot of types of pop music to change key for a bridge, or an outro; modulating up for an outro, for instance, adds a sense of build, while changing key on the bridge makes it even more of a distinct section. Obviously this is probably most effective with vocal tracks, but instrumental jazz and other styles also do it. There is a lot of guidance out there on what keys mightvwork best, but I think it comes down to how your new key sounds in relation to the main one.

[legend4ry]

Maybe look towards increasing your theory knowledge..

This should help.



Music is kind of like a colour wheel, you just got to learn where everything is plotted on the wheel.

[dddemain]

That video is pretty spot on. If you write an intro in Cm you can pretty easily transition into Gm ( the 5th) for the drop. Chord changes outside of the circle of 5ths have less potential to sound cheesy but are harder to work in. Writing your bassline in the relative major can be interesting too. Just depends what you're going for.

[Add9]

I think exploring the idea of a key change would be more effectively done throughout an EP over the course of several tracks. Most classical music is much longer than a dubstep track, and so it gives the composer a lot more time to develop ideas which is why I think key changes are much more common in classical music. Of course you can find 3-4 minute Bach preludes that modulate keys successfully, but that's cause Bach was a fucking beast.

In general though I think you need some amount of time to establish both keys in order to make a key transition successful, and I'm not sure the common length of a dubstep tune (3-4) provides enough time. Just my opinion though, feel free to prove me wrong! Also, there is no rule that says you can't have a 15-minute dubstep track so that's another possibility.

I like the idea of exploring key changes over an EP, never thought of doing that. Although I have to disagree on not being able to effectively change keys during a 3-4min song it's done quite a bit in rock/pop. The Who manage 3 key changes very well in My Generation

Yeah it does happen all the time in classic rock, especially in 80s rock ballads now that I think about it where it's like almost expected that the chorus will at some point change keys. If anyone knows any dubstep tunes that have a key change in them then let me know, I think it would be interesting to hear. I can't think of any right now... I've heard electronic music with key changes before but not specifically dubstep.

[dddemain]

I think exploring the idea of a key change would be more effectively done throughout an EP over the course of several tracks. Most classical music is much longer than a dubstep track, and so it gives the composer a lot more time to develop ideas which is why I think key changes are much more common in classical music. Of course you can find 3-4 minute Bach preludes that modulate keys successfully, but that's cause Bach was a fucking beast.

In general though I think you need some amount of time to establish both keys in order to make a key transition successful, and I'm not sure the common length of a dubstep tune (3-4) provides enough time. Just my opinion though, feel free to prove me wrong! Also, there is no rule that says you can't have a 15-minute dubstep track so that's another possibility.

I like the idea of exploring key changes over an EP, never thought of doing that. Although I have to disagree on not being able to effectively change keys during a 3-4min song it's done quite a bit in rock/pop. The Who manage 3 key changes very well in My Generation

Yeah it does happen all the time in classic rock, especially in 80s rock ballads now that I think about it where it's like almost expected that the chorus will at some point change keys. If anyone knows any dubstep tunes that have a key change in them then let me know, I think it would be interesting to hear. I can't think of any right now... I've heard electronic music with key changes before but not specifically dubstep.

I think midnight request line by skream changes key at somepoint

[outbound]

In the olden days before dubstep, there existed such a thing as chord changes.

I think it may be possible once again.

I heard about these things, something about harmonies, cadences as well? who knows I suppose it's all a forgotten art now lost to how many different noises you can put in a track

[Trichome]

course you can!
works really well in this tune
key changes at 1:14

[Dystinkt]

yeah midnight requests lines very notable for its key changes, a lot of stuff by guys like joker id imagine would have a larger amount of modulations and such

[Add9]

Yeah guys I stand corrected, these are some good tunes and they pull it off very well! Maybe I should start listening to more of this shit and less of the "see how many massive presets you can fit into a drop" tracks

[jakswag]

course you can!
works really well in this tune
key changes at 1:14

dayummmm that transition was hot! )) at least i got the answers i was looking for, thanks guys

[Lucifa]

standard

2:50

[ThisIsSovereign]

Maybe I should start listening to more of this shit and less of the "see how many massive presets you can fit into a drop" tracks