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identifying the key

Discussion in 'General Instruction [BG]' started by azeng808, Aug 28, 2005.


  1. Aug 28, 2005 #1
    azeng808

    azeng808

    Dec 12, 2004
    how do you guys find the key of a song by listening and/or by the notes you play
     
  5. Aug 28, 2005 #2
    slybass3000

    slybass3000 Banned

    Nov 5, 2004
    Montréal,Qc,Canada
    A good mix of both.
    This may sounds obvious but most of the time, the root you play the most in a tune or the one you come back the most often is usually the key of the tune. I know there can be exceptions to this rule but most of the time it's gonna work.

    SB
     
  10. Aug 28, 2005 #3
    abaguer

    abaguer

    Nov 27, 2001
    Milford, NJ
    get the sound of the V chord in your head. The V will usually resolve to the I. That's what I rely on the most.
     
  14. Aug 29, 2005 #4
    RiddimKing

    RiddimKing

    Dec 29, 2004
    98.9% of the time, the note the song ENDS on will indicate the key it's in.
     
  18. Aug 29, 2005 #5
    Pacman

    Pacman Layin' Down Time Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 1, 2000
    Omaha, Nebraska
    Endorsing Artist: Roscoe Guitars, DR Strings, Aguilar Amplification
    Not Technique related. Off to General Instruction.
     
  22. Aug 29, 2005 #6
    Jeb

    Jeb

    Jul 22, 2001
    USA
    In an unfamiliar piece without a sheet, the "tonal center" of a progression is my best indicator. By experimenting with different notes in the progression, I'll get a feel for which modes work and which ones don't. Once the modes lock with the tune, I know I'm there, gain a bit of confidence and can go with it some.