Good friend, manic composer, and musically big brained Frank Horvat joined us to talk all about key modulations, with three example songs. We talked about:

• the difference between borrowing chords and modulation
• chromatic alteration, where a single semi-tone difference can change the contour of your chord progression
• referring to the circle of fifths to see modulation that are close or far from your base key signature
• using pivot chords to bridge the gap between key signatures
• key modulation between different sections of a song vs. repeating your last chorus as a modulation
• modulating up vs. modulating down

Listen to the show

The song examples

Starman by David Bowie

Perfect Illusion by Lady Gaga

The Infanta by The Decemberists

https://youtu.be/sI66hcu9fIs