• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

5-4-1 What key is it?

Status
Not open for further replies.
#101
Originally posted by Bruce Lindfield
But the "rule" is that the five chord is the only dominant 7th chord in a key - you have put up 3 different ones in a row - so functional harmony clearly doesn't apply here!! :hmm:
Click to expand...
Rules are made to be broken. You said you were bored, but here you are still posting.


If it was CMaj7 D Min7 F7 CMaj7 for example, then fine - you could determine the key and everything you have been saying would make sense - but it's not!!! :bawl:
Click to expand...

That makes sense? Have you tried listening to what you just wrote? Don't you want a G7 or maybe a Db7 in there instead?
 
#103
Should I stick my nose into this one?

No.

Am I going to anyway?

Why not.

Here's how I would say it on the bandstand.

"Okay cats, we're gonna play BTO's Takin' Care of Business. It's in C minor. Start on the one, go to the seven (I wouldn't say "flat seven" because in C minor the seven is flat) then to the four, then back to the one, repeat forever until I signal the end."

Doesn't matter if I'm correct about what key it's written in. I've described it in a way everyone can understand.
 
#104
Originally posted by Craig Garfinkel
Should I stick my nose into this one?

No.

Am I going to anyway?

Why not.

Here's how I would say it on the bandstand.

"Okay cats, we're gonna play BTO's Takin' Care of Business. It's in C minor. Start on the one, go to the seven (I wouldn't say "flat seven" because in C minor the seven is flat) then to the four, then back to the one, repeat forever until I signal the end."

Doesn't matter if I'm correct about what key it's written in. I've described it in a way everyone can understand.
Click to expand...

If they were told this most likely the first chord they'd play would be a C minor. That would be a major problem;)
 
#105
Originally posted by DonZ
I'm amazed that you've all managed to argue for 5 pages about the key of a BTO song. That is truly funny.


I find it incredible as well!! :eek:


As has been argued as nauseum, the key could be f or c but I maintain that if the chords are imcomplete and lack the important chord tones then you've really just got to pick on key and live with it.


Yup - that's my view!



John, I'd say Freddie is nonfunctional...just kidding...;) how about dysfunctional ?
Click to expand...

Agreed again!!
 
#106
Originally posted by Craig Garfinkel
Should I stick my nose into this one?

No.

Am I going to anyway?

Why not.

Here's how I would say it on the bandstand.

"Okay cats, we're gonna play BTO's Takin' Care of Business. It's in C minor. Start on the one, go to the seven (I wouldn't say "flat seven" because in C minor the seven is flat) then to the four, then back to the one, repeat forever until I signal the end."

Doesn't matter if I'm correct about what key it's written in. I've described it in a way everyone can understand.
Click to expand...

I said - "it doesn't matter" - five pages ago :eek: and got a load of abuse for this!! :rolleyes:

But I agree with you entirely Craig!! In intention, if not in detail..;)
 
#107
Originally posted by Phil Smith
Rules are made to be broken.

Fine - but don't then assert that you can determine the key centre !! :rolleyes:

That makes sense?

As an example that would make sense!
I'm not saying that's what the song is - I am giving an example of a different chord sequence, that you could analyse successfully and determine the key!!

Don't you want a G7 or maybe a Db7 in there instead?
Click to expand...

NO! As that would make it ambiguous again!! :rolleyes:
 
#108
Originally posted by Pacman
Functional harmony also implies that chords can function as other chords (e.g. IVmaj7 chords can function as I chords, etc, etc...)
Click to expand...


Of course - but in this one, particular case - (not any other) - you have no context to be able to do that!

Tell me which of the chords in this particular sequence (not a blues or other tune) are functioning as others, then - you can't!!
 
#113
Originally posted by Bassin'
All those people who are having a hard time figuring out what key this song is in, JUST LISTEN TO THE SONG!!! It should be pretty obvious.

Theory is a great tool to have, but it doesn’t give you the excuse not to listen.
;)
Click to expand...

Bingo! But of course that's been said before.

Some are taking a very simple song, applying as much "knowledge" as possible and coming to conclusions that can't be drawn if you just listen to the damn song:D

I will admit I'm enjoying watching this take on the air of doing a triple somersault double-inverted power dive off the high board (triple digit degree of difficulty)...


while the song just does a cannonball off a rope into the creek:D

Theory is indeed a great tool... and your ears can be too.
 
#115
Originally posted by Nick Gann
If the progressions is 5-4-1, then wouldn't the 1 automatically be key of the song, since that is the definition of "1" when refering to keys?
Click to expand...
Yes - but only if the progression really is 5-4-1. This one sounds like it's I7 - bVII7 - IV7, although I'm guessing the song's not overcomplex and anyone who had heard it would be able to play along whether or not they grasped the correct theoretical structure ;)

Wulf
 
#116
Originally posted by Bruce Lindfield
That's the question - why does it matter? Lots of rock-type songs are ambiguous as to what key they are in at any particular time, they have no functional harmony at that point - but so what?

The guitarist is going to shred on a blues scale and everyone will keep plodding along, so it doesn't matter!! ;)
Click to expand...

Originally posted by the Bard of Johnson

No biggie...just don't tell Bruce.
Click to expand...

The above was my first contribution - 5 pages and several days ago......:hmm:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back