Transcribing half-step modulations and key signature choice

[Richard Lindsey]

In the Notation Forum, ChrisDev has posted a bass transcription of Donny Hathaway's, Put your hand in the hand.
The song has lots of modulations.

There is one place where the band moves from F# to C#min through E6 and G#/D# chords.
Would you notate the G#/D# chord as Ab/Eb?
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No, of course not. G# acts as a V to C# minor (a secondary dominant, V of ii) and is correct in that context. In that sentence of mine that you quoted, the meaning was not that I'd never seen a G# chord (which would be pretty weird and unlikely) but that I'd never seen a piece written in the key of G# (major). A different thing entirely.

 

[Whousedtoplay]

No, of course not. G# acts as a V to C# minor (a secondary dominant, V of ii) and is correct in that context. In that sentence of mine that you quoted, the meaning was not that I'd never seen a G# chord (which would be pretty weird and unlikely) but that I'd never seen a piece written in the key of G# (major). A different thing entirely.

Thank you.