introduction

diatonic

chromatic

In the following example, the music modulates one step flatwards on the circle of fifths. It is simple to modulate flatwards using a pivot chord - I in G is also V in the new key of C. This is part of the reason why flatwards modulation feels so easy - the dominant (chord V) of the new key is diatonic in the old key.

A modulation up a perfect fifth - sharpwards on the circle of fifths - is more effort, it does not feel so 'natural' or 'easy'. This is partly because, unlike with flatwards modulation, the dominant of the new key is not diatonic in the old key. In the following example, as is common, the modulation is abrupt and uses a secondary dominant chord.

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