31 Modulation I—Establishing the New Key TBk3

This chapter focuses on the basics, the beginning level. The most basic thing to master is the ability to find the V chord (or pivot chord) of the new key, for it will propel us securely into the new key. Any kind of V chord may be useable: V, Vsus, four over five, and Vsus9 is particularly good as it smooths the transition more than a dominant seventh.

We’ll work on mastering several kinds of V chords, and concentrate on modulations up a 1/2 and whole step. Examples, exercises for practicing, assignments.

Revised 2.2014.  30 pages, 55 examples.

10 KImprovBk1 – Sus Chords I

Sus chords (eg., from bottom to top, C – F -G) omit the third of the chord and substitute a fourth.  They  have a broad application to both contemporary and traditional worship styles. They provide a colorful alternative to the standard dominant seventh which occurs frequently in hymn and chorus cadences. They are valuable in creating segues and in effecting modulations in the free-flowing praise format. They are eminently playable on both guitars and keyboards. We’ll look at how the sus4, sus7, and sus9 chords function.