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6.12.2Near vs Remote Modulation
If a song modulates to a closely-related key (a key that shares many of the same scale notes and chords with the original key), it’s called a near modulation.
If the tune modulates to an unrelated key (a key that shares few of the same scale notes or chords with the original key), it’s called a remote modulation.
If it modulates to a key that’s neither remote nor near, it’s called ... um ... a moderately distant modulation. Or something.
To get an idea of what’s considered “near” or “remote,” have a look at Heinichen’s Circle of Fifths (Figure 101). Pick a key, any key. Whatever key you pick is closely related to other nearby keys in the Circle of Fifths. For example:
- The key of D major is “near” such keys as B minor, G major, E minor, A major, and F♯ minor.