Parallel, Closely, and Distantly Related Keys

In this article, we will extend our view of modulations to include other types (aside from just relative). These include parallel, closely, and distantly related keys.

What is a Parallel Key?

The concept of a parallel key is similar to that of a relative key. Given two keys, we might be able to say they are parallel to each other. However, instead of having the same key signature, parallel keys have the same tonic. By extension, then, parallel keys will have different key signatures.

For example, what do you think the parallel key of D major (2 sharps) is? That's right, it's D minor. Yes, it's that simple.

Let's take a look at an example, which comes from the same piece we looked at as our example in the relative key explanation.

Listen to this excerpt and follow along with the score, particularly the bass line in the bass clef. Particularly at 3:04, the left hand resolves to the tonic, Bb. Then, it walks from F back to Bb in the next measure. But it sounds different, right? Now, it sounds like a minor key.

Thus, we see a parallel key change. The tonic stays the same, but the mode changes from major to minor. Note that mode is just a term that describes the type of key you are in (major or minor). There are other modes that we can explore, but we should have a solid understanding of major and minor before that. Thus, this concept will reappear all the way in chapter 8.

What is a Closely Related Key?

So what if the two keys are neither relative nor parallel? Well, we have two more options left: closely related and distantly related.

The first option, closely related keys, describe two keys who are separated by one accidental (sharp or flat). This includes major and minor keys. For example, if we were given the key of D major (which has two sharps in the key signature), the five closely related keys would consist of 

You can go through this process for each key. Recall how to find the name of the key given a key signature: walk around the circle fifths to find the name. As a reminder, here's what it looks like:

Notice that, by definition, a closely related key is simply one stop away from the given key on either side of the circle of fifths. Pretty cool!

Knowing this, if we are asked for a closely related key, it becomes simple if we remember our circle of fifths.

What about identifying these in music?

Well, remember when I mentioned that it will be very important to be able to walk up the scale from the tonic in a piece of music? This is why!

If we are given a piece of music with a key change, and we need to figure out whether or not the change is closely related or not, we can determine the tonic note of the original key and walk up the scale until we hit the tonic note of the new key. Then, for a major key (say D major), if the new tonic is any of

then the new key is closely related to the old one. Note that on the AP exam, you will be responsible for identifying which of these keys an excerpt modulates to. Yes, seriously. This is often one of the most difficult parts of this course, so practice makes perfect!

Let's do an example:

Listen to the first 35 seconds of this string quartet. Is the excerpt in a major or minor key?

Now, listen to the excerpt from 0:35 to 1:08. In relation to the previous excerpt, what key is this section in?

Well, listen to the first excerpt again, and hum the tonic as you listen. Then, as you listen to the second excerpt, walk up the scale until you get to the new tonic. What is this note in relation to the previous key? Is this new key closely related to the old one?

If you said the dominant, you'd be correct! And yes, the dominant is closely related to the tonic.

It was common for composers in the Classical era to modulate to the dominant in the opening of their works.

What is a Distantly Related Key?

A distantly related key, then, is a key whose key signature differs from the original key by more than one accidental (or more than one space on the circle of fifths). Relative keys are a subset of parallel keys, which are a subset of distantly related keys.

Let's take a look at a work with a key change to a distantly related key:

This piece is the Act I finale, so it's bound to have some dramatic key changes. One such key change happens at 2:27.

Hum the tonic along with the first half of the excerpt, then continue humming it past the key change. Obviously it is a different key, but what do you think the new tonic is in relation to this note?

Hum a half step up. There's the new tonic!

In particular, we go from D minor to E-flat minor. That's an addition of 5 flats, which is certainly more distant than one.

Practice

Determine whether each of the following pairs of keys are parallel, closely, or distantly related:

A minor, A major

Bb major, G minor

F major, C minor

C# minor, B major

C major, C minor

Db major, Gb major

Describe the key relationships between the two keys in the following audio examples as either parallel, closely, or distantly related.

Answer:

Answer:

Answer:

* Note that the D natural in the above example is a non-chord tone.