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How to modulate from A major to B Major?
I'm writing my first serious piece of music but I have a limited knowledge of music theory. Most of what I have is my improvisation on the piano, though the piece does have a structure. I had a melody section in A major that I ended with a cadence. I want to have a transition section starting in A major and ending on a B major arpeggio so that I can play a variation of the melody in E major. So I was wondering what sequence of chords to use in the bass to transition from A major to B major over a sufficient period of time? I don't want to simply jump the gap, I want it to seem organic.
Also, it would be great if the modulation had some chromatic non-functional harmony as the style of the piece is in the Romantic fashion. Thank you!
2 Answers
- MamiankaLv 77 years ago
You are NOT modulating from A to B - you are really modulating form A to E. If your knowledge of harmony and theory is limited, the explaining chromatic and something you call *non-functional* (???) harmony is not going to work - so let's stick with the basics. Although the E chord is V in A, to just whang away on that idea is not going to satisfy - so to achieve balance, I would send you in the OTHER direction - modulate to D. Then D#7 to E. Perhaps that tiny bit of chromatic movement will satisfy what you wish to do. There are countless ways to do this - but first, you need to be clear on where you are TRULY going - and as long as you *thought* you had to go to B - you would not be successful, unless you ESTABLISH b as tonal center, using that area with thematic material, and THEN decide to go to E. A whole lot of wandering around - and pointless.
You need to learn how to write chord progressions before you attempt and serious composition. Sounds like you are in over your head, and NEED INSTRUCTION.
Source(s): MM in Music Theory - retired theory teacher! - Anonymous7 years ago
I would say:
A major (A C# E)=> F#7 (F# A# C# E) => B7 (B# D# F# A) => E major section.
