If you’ve ever heard or thought of the term “demodulation” in a music context, you might wonder if it’s the opposite of modulation in music—like returning to the original key. But here’s the truth:
“Demodulation” is not a standard music theory term. It’s actually borrowed from electronic communication, where it refers to extracting signals. In music, using it can sound redundant or confusing, because modulation already includes both the movement to a new key and often the return from it.
So, Is “Demodulation” a Tautology in Music?
Yes—because music naturally resolves or returns to the tonic key without needing a new term to describe that return. Saying “demodulation” is like saying “undoing modulation,” which is already implied in musical structure.
Better Musical Terms to Use Instead of “Demodulation”
Instead of using the technically incorrect word “demodulation” in music, use these commonly accepted terms:
1. Return to tonic – when the music comes back to the home key.
2. Resolution – when harmonic tension resolves, often back to the original key.
3. Re-tonicization – a more advanced term meaning re-establishing the tonic.
4. Key restoration – a modern phrase that works well in songwriting and film scoring contexts.
5. Harmonic return – especially useful when discussing chord progressions.
Example of Correct Usage
Incorrect:
The verse ends with a demodulation to G major.
Correct:
The verse returns to the original key of G major.
The section resolves back to G major, bringing the melody home.
If you’re studying or writing about music theory, especially key changes and song structure, it's best to stick to well-known terms. Avoiding words like “demodulation” in music keeps your writing clear, searchable, and credible—especially for blog content, educational videos, based articles.
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