There is no doubt that changing keys will affect a song. As a result of the contrast between the previous key and the new one, the mood generally changes slightly.
Due to the change in frequency range, if your song was in C major and changed to D major, it would sound uplifting and brighter.
You can experiment with changing keys with modulation, which adds a new harmonic layer to the song. Key changes like I(CM) > V(GM) or any other related keys sound well rounded and are pretty timeless.
But other key changes might be i(Cm) > I(CM), also known as tierce de picardie is common in Baroque music and is very uplifting.
When used correctly, tertiary modulation is a great way to sound either uplifted or downlifted. As an example, cm > abm > fm > dm for downlifting
C > Eb > G > Bb > D etc for uplifting
To modulate, you can experiment with different modes.
The key signature of D major, for instance, has both F# and C#, so why not start with C, then move to C Lydian (add F#), and finally move to D?
HOW CAN YOU SWITCH KEYS IN A SONG?
Therefore, when you change keys – also known as modulation, if you’re fancy about it – you’re rebelling. You’re coloring outside the lines and bending the rules. By changing keys right before the final chorus, you are saying “No!” to conformity (just like EVERY other songwriter who does the same…)
A key change jolts the listener and forces them to pay attention, since this is uncharted territory, outside of the pre-established boundaries that were already set for the song. You’ll draw a lot of attention to the effect if you suddenly use notes or chords outside of the key!
Quick Questions
Is it bad to change keys of a song?
It is not necessary to sing songs in the same key as the recording or published sheet music. It is wonderful if you are knowledgeable enough about music theory to be able to transpose on your own.
How does changing key change a song?
If you change the key of your song, the energy of the song will be dramatically altered. Even though most of your audience is unfamiliar with music, they know enough to know when chords belong, and when they do not.
How does the key affect the song?
Adding sharps to a key signature increases brightness and sparkle, while adding flats contributes softness, pensiveness, and even melancholy. Also, major keys tend to sound happy, light, and regal; minor keys tend to sound sad, dark, and introspective.
Do different keys really sound different?
The gaps between notes were not even as wide as they are today, so different keys actually sounded differently, not just higher or lower. It is possible that certain musical pitches correspond more closely with the natural resonance of a room, or even with the natural resonance of our bodies