How many different keys should a band play in? #/b

b to g is yummy · #1 09-18-2007, 08:42 PM

I've noticed some bands seem to play mostly in a couple different keys. Is this a standard thing that should be done or is it best to just use whatever works best for vocals even if it means 15 songs with 6 different keys?

What are the advantages/dissadvanteges/guidelines for choosing the key as you write songs???

Petary791 · #2 09-18-2007, 08:49 PM

I personally find that different keys (especially modes) bring different feelings. E major is a lot different than D major and F# major in my ears.

bongomania · #3 09-18-2007, 08:56 PM

Variety = listener interest. Those bands that only play in a couple/few keys better have some other fascinating schtick or qualities, because otherwise they'll be boring as dirt and never make it past the bar band stage.

Chasarms · #4 09-18-2007, 09:39 PM

With music that uses guitar as the main rhythm instrument, the different keys offer very different forms and textures of the chords. The nature of the instrument and how chords are formed create unique inversions, etc in the various keys.

Thus the progressions that are most common sound and behave very differently in the different keys. Sure you are bound to the limitations of the vocals, but a band that plays in the same key all the time is, to some degree, going to sound, well, the same.

88persuader · #5 09-18-2007, 10:36 PM

Some bands like one key over another because it's better for the lead singer ... it's a good key for them. And a lot of guitarist like E or A because it's an easy key that allows for a lot of 1st position and open voiced chords.

thatACEduel · #6 09-18-2007, 10:54 PM

i agree that different keys bring about different feelings
you don't necessarily need to change keys just to change keys
because a song may sound totally different in A rather than Bb. But some bands have a lot of songs in the same key just because it's easier to play in that key, like led zepplin for example, has a majority of their songs in A. why? i dunno but they do, so i don't think you HAVE to change keys, but it does help to change moods and such, plus having 13 songs in G gets kinda boring.. :/

88persuader · #7 09-18-2007, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatACEduel

i agree that different keys bring about different feelings
you don't necessarily need to change keys just to change keys
because a song may sound totally different in A rather than Bb. But some bands have a lot of songs in the same key just because it's easier to play in that key, like led zepplin for example, has a majority of their songs in A. why? i dunno but they do, so i don't think you HAVE to change keys, but it does help to change moods and such, plus having 13 songs in G gets kinda boring.. :/

I think they play a lot of songs in the same key because it's the singers prefered key to sing in.

Phalex · #8 09-19-2007, 06:28 AM

I'd say all of em. The big deciding factor should be the vocal range of the singer however.

iamlowsound · #9 09-19-2007, 07:38 PM

I can't think of a tool song that isn't in D or D minor.

lowsound

thatACEduel · #10 09-19-2007, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamlowsound

I can't think of a tool song that isn't in D or D minor.

lowsound

haha yea
but i think that has to do more with the drop D tuning

Joe Gress · #11 09-19-2007, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatACEduel

haha yea
but i think that has to do more with the drop D tuning

Well, the Drop-D tuning helps.

Eli M. · #12 09-19-2007, 10:43 PM

Of the songs that I perform solo (soon to be with a band), with my baritone voice, I have performed songs in all 12 keys. It's just a matter of where it sits with my voice.

I think a performer needs to figure out how the songs fit in a set or on an album. I cringe when I see someone (especially a solo guitarist) play three songs in a row in the same key, but if they put other songs in other keys in between, I don't notice it.

jerome_oneil · #13 09-19-2007, 10:52 PM

I've found that as a bass player, playing a lot of songs in the same key, or even the same key group, makes for some ultra-boring playing. The group I play with has a couple of "one armed" songs, i.e. those I can play with one hand. No fretting required!

I try to compensate for that with lots of volume. Setting the gain knob at 11 also helps.

jomahu · #14 09-20-2007, 08:24 AM

whatever the song requires. when i joined my band, their sweet spot was Eb. that's why i started playing 5-string.

we play in all keys, altho' we lean towards the minors (we love Am). our few major key songs either have some kind of minor-key intro/outro, or we'll contruct a melody/horn line in the relative minor or something.

variety is awesome, but it has to fit the song.