Pivot chord

Definition

A pivot chord is a common chord that serves as a bridge between two different keys, allowing for smooth modulation in music. It is typically diatonic to both the original and the target key, facilitating a seamless transition by creating a tonal connection. This technique is essential in composing effective chord progressions that enhance emotional depth and complexity in a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pivot chords are often found in classical music but are also widely used in contemporary genres to create interesting transitions.
2. The most common pivot chords include the ii, IV, and vi chords as they tend to function in multiple keys.
3. To identify a pivot chord, you can look for a chord that appears in both the original key and the new key you are modulating to.
4. Using pivot chords can help maintain the listener's sense of coherence and expectation while introducing new harmonic material.
5. The effectiveness of a pivot chord depends on its placement within a progression, which can influence the emotional impact of the modulation.

Review Questions

• How does a pivot chord facilitate modulation between two different keys?
  • A pivot chord facilitates modulation by serving as a common element shared between the original key and the target key. By using a chord that exists in both keys, composers create a smooth transition that maintains harmonic continuity. This technique helps listeners to easily follow the change in tonality while enhancing the overall musical experience.
• Compare and contrast the roles of diatonic chords and pivot chords in music composition.
  • Diatonic chords are built strictly from the notes of a specific scale and play a foundational role in establishing harmony within that key. In contrast, pivot chords act as connectors that enable modulation between keys by being diatonic to both. While diatonic chords provide structure within a single tonality, pivot chords allow composers to explore new harmonic territories while maintaining coherence.
• Evaluate how the use of pivot chords influences the emotional narrative within a piece of music.
  • The use of pivot chords significantly influences the emotional narrative by allowing composers to shift tonalities without disrupting the flow of music. This transition can evoke varying emotions, as moving to different keys often alters the mood or intensity of a piece. By strategically placing pivot chords, composers can craft a more dynamic emotional journey for listeners, enhancing the overall impact and storytelling within their music.

Related terms

Modulation: The process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music.

Diatonic Chords: Chords that are built using only the notes from a particular scale, without any accidentals.

Chord Progression: A series of chords played in sequence, creating the harmonic foundation of a piece of music.