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6.12.4
Parallel Keys: Major to Minor, Minor to Major

A parallel key is the namesake key in the other mode. Parallel keys can modulate from one to the other—major to minor or minor to major, as for example from C major to C minor or vice-versa.

In parallel key modulation, the song establishes tonality in a major key (such as C major), then moves to its namesake minor, C minor, and establishes tonality there.

Or vice-versa.

Sometimes parallel key modulation is referred to as mode modulation, because the moduluation is from the major (Ionian) mode to the minor (Aeolian) mode, or, of course, vice-versa.

Chord mapped examples of parallel key modulation coming up:

  • “Kaw-liga”
  • “It Was A Very Good Year”

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