Shifting keys for dramatic effect?

[No name]

Ok, so I know genres like R&B often will shift to a different key for the bridge, but up until now I've never had much use for it. I have something I'm working on that I want to use this with. Somewhere around the bridge/3rd verse I'd like to shift keys, but I don't want it to be too drastic or unnatural. I'm in the key of A minor right now, what would be some keys to shift to? I vaguely recall there being something to help us figure it out, maybe the circle of fifth was of good use in this situation? Anyways, I'd appreciate any help folks. Thanks.

[nuffink]

Have a look at this page... http://www.tonalcentre.org/Modulation.html

The whole thing's an interesting read but scroll down to 'Schoenberg's chart of the regions' for a concise diagram of the closest keys to A minor (or any other key).

[JumpingJackFlash]

Also see my Introduction to modulation (changing key).

[Toxikator]

All good stuff, just some other little tidbits for thought:

In pop music there are a couple of common modulation "tricks" you might want to look at -

1) Modulating exclusively to relative modes based on song section... That is to say, you do the verses in a minor, but the chorus in C Major. Same notes present, but a different harmonic focus. EDIT: I see Nuffink's link describes this.

2) What's known as a "Truck Driver's Gear Change," where in a song with a verse/chorus/bridge arrangement, after the bridge, the remaining chorus(es) are shifted up abruptly a half-step.

The former is really common in Nashville Pop/Contemporary "country". The latter considered a cliche by uppity songwriter snobs but... f**k 'em.

I don't know a terrible lot about Top 40 R&B (is that the kind you're talking about?) but I really don't imagine there are a modulations outside of these two appearing with any frequency.

[gravehill]

2) What's known as a "Truck Driver's Gear Change,"

Cool. I never knew the english term for this.

[Kim Lajoie]

2) What's known as a "Truck Driver's Gear Change,"

Cool. I never knew the english term for this.

Also called "Student Driver's Shift".

CLUNK!

CLUNK!

-Kim.

[Cordelia]

And sometimes called the Barry Manilowest common denominator songwriter's trick.

[Great Galactic Ghoul]

2) What's known as a "Truck Driver's Gear Change," where in a song with a verse/chorus/bridge arrangement, after the bridge, the remaining chorus(es) are shifted up abruptly a half-step.

Whole-step modulations up are also fun...though I'm not sure if the aforementioned truck driver covers that or if you need something larger, like a tank...

If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can also modulate down a 1/2 or whole step and drop the tempo ever so slightly as well. It seems (and to some degree it is) wildly counterintuative, but it can work quite effectively under certain circumstances (read: it has a certain emotional impact that may or may not fit the track you're working on, or, YMMV...).