verb
modulate
To change from one musical key to another.
The song modulates from C major to G major.
Etymology
The Latin verb concerned regulating or measuring, including musical sound. In musical English it specialized to moving from one key into another.
More examples
- The pianist modulates to a new key before the final verse.
- We practice modulating smoothly between closely related keys.
- The melody modulated into a minor key.
Forms
modulate · modulates · modulated · modulating
modulation noun — A change between musical keys.
Similar words
- shift
- Shift needs musical context to specify a change of key.