It can be difficult to pick songs when the keys simply don't work well together. Sometimes, worship leaders compromise song key for flow and they just do all the songs in the same key. On the other hand, other worship leaders ignore song keys and start and stop between every song. The solution is to learn how to smoothly transition between different keys.
Here are 3 ways to transition between different song keys in a worship set:
1 | Just do it!
The simplest way is to just start the next song in the new key. This can actually accentuate the song if done correctly. It draws people's attention and makes a bold statement that a new song has begun. Sometimes, the best transition isn't a smooth transition. Use this method appropriately and it can serve as a good transition.
2 | Play the 5 chord of the new key
A more musical way to transition is to play the 5 chord of the new key that you want to transition into. Let's say you're in the key of G and want to go to D. A good way to get there is to end the song on a G chord then go to an A (the V chord of the key of D) and then land on a D. The 5 chord of the new key helps tell your ear that the key is changing.
This method isn't quite as jarring as just starting the new song in the new key BUT it doesn't always sound the best depending on which key you're transitioning into.
3 | Use a common note between keys
The final and most musical way to is to find a common note between the keys. Then, land on a chord in the first key that has that note in it and hang on that note while slowly removing the other notes until you only have the common note left. After that, slowly bring in the notes of the new key.
For example, if you want to go from the key of E to the key of C. The common notes between those keys are E, A, and B. To transition, end on an E chord and slowly drop out the other notes in the chord until you're left with only an E note. Then go to a C chord. Alternatively, you could end on an A chord and drop out the other notes in the chord until you're left with only an A note. Then go to an A minor chord.
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