Changing Keys for Covers? When is too much?

[Piggy8692]

I'm just wondering how much is too much to change a key when playing covers (to where the crowd will notice).

I've got a couple songs I'm learning and I can understand playing a step higher or lower. but how much would a song that is played originally in C# standard sound in standard E? I can tell a difference, but I'm not sure whether an audience might be able to.

Thoughts??

 

[sean_on_bass]

I personally, can rarely tell the difference when a song changes keys, unless it effects the logistics of how the song is played to suit the new key. So for me, as an audience member, cannot tell the difference unless i was JUST listening to the same song in a different key for a point of reference.

 

[FatBoutedGirls]

I can't tell the difference after 30 seconds in the new key. I learn songs in E for one band that are in B for another band I play in. It pays to be able to transpose on the fly. Let the vocalist pick the key, that's usually the limiting factor.

 

[Rick Auricchio]

+1 on both replies above.

Usually it's our guitarist who can't drop the key because the chord fingerings don't sound right if he barres (for example, dropping an E song to D, where the open-D chord doesn't sound right.)

We'll occasionally transpose a song if our 60ish-year-old voices can't reach the high notes. Generally nobody notices a key change, but the audience will immediately know when the singer is straining to reach the high notes!

 

[mellowinman]

Just try it. You might be improving it. Try whatever key you want.

 

[RDUB]

I don't think there are any real limits, unless you're doing guitar riff based rock. I've sung songs a full octave lower just for effect.

 

[bassbully]

I can tell but sometimes it can be very cool to change the key and spin the cover your way. Most times it is a half or whole step and then its not such a big deal. Many national singers and bands play their songs live in a different key then it was recorded.

 

[xgator4u]

I can tell but sometimes it can be very cool to change the key and spin the cover your way. Most times it is a half or whole step and then its not such a big deal. Many national singers and bands play their songs live in a different key then it was recorded.

Especially as they get older and the singers voice is unable to do it in the original key.
Really that is what it's all about.
What key can the person singing pull off.

 

[bassbully]

Especially as they get older and the singers voice is unable to do it in the original key.
Really that is what it's all about.
What key can the person singing pull off.

Funny just last night the old cats and me were playing Long tall Sally. The keys player was reaching in A so we took it to G. It sounded great and he still has his voice today.

 

[Lownote38]

Some songs just don't sound right in a key that's far from the original. If it sounds weird to me, I draw the line. If the singer can't hit the notes in at least close to the original key, then we shouldn't be covering the song anyway.

 

[bassbully]

It's a normal thing to see in a band...changing keys. In fact anymore I ask what key even if I know what key the song was written in. My last 3 bands all changed keys to fit the singers range.

 

[Piggy8692]

I understand the concept of making adjustments to fit vocal ranges. Makes perfect sense. I'm more or less wondering if an audience might notice.

 

[INTP]

Never more than a tritone above or below the original key.

 

[Carl Hillman]

It's too much if it forces the chordal instruments to use obviously different voicings for the chords (especially guitar), or if the vocalist is clearly at the top or bottom of their range.

I doubt most people in an audience would be bothered by a transposed song. Key changes that result in changed voicings and extreme vocal ranges would probably just not sound "right" to them, even if they didn't know why that was.

 

[chuck3]

Never more than a tritone above or below the original key.

I see what you did there ...

 

[Humbled]

I may be dense, but I really don't understand a bassist caring what key a song is in.

Just tell me what key it is and let the drummer whack it off. Boom. Let's play.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

To accommodate my vocal range I will sometimes lower the key a whole step or two, and sometimes by as much as a 4th. But you must keep in mind the timbre of the guitars and other stringed instruments, how they use open strings or a capo to keep the same sonic feel and playability to the song. Most of the time it works. The audience never notices.

Never more than a tritone above or below the original key.

Yes, an excellent rule to follow.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[yodedude2]

i feel it's important to keep the chord voicings when transposing. other that that, let it rip.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

For the most part, key changes drive me absolutely crazy for many reasons; but mainly because I'm pretty sure I have perfect pitch and when I'm used to hearing the song in it's original key and then it changes...ugh, I go nuts

 

[Nev375]

Doesn't bother me a bit. Once dropped a rush song by a full 5th to accommodate a more baritone singer. Sounded weird, but awesome!