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Really? Change the key again?

Samophlange

Samophlange

May 26, 2009
92
19
Plattsburgh, NY
#1
Has anyone else found a way to suggest to their singer that they need to at least try to sing in a different key. Or push their range a bit?
I'm noticing that every song that we learn lately gets transposed to a different key than the original to suit the vocalist.
Just try singing it in that range! Head voice! Head voice!


Its not really a big issue...I'm just a whiner because I have the song stuck in my head in the orginal key and have a hard time switching. Stupid stubborn brain. :spit:
 
#3
I honestly hate changing the key of a song. Some people say they can't notice the difference between the original key of a tune and a new one, but I can. To me, certain keys hint towards certain emotions and flavors. Every listen to a band cover something heavy like Alice in Chains in E standard as opposed to the recorded Eb? It's just not as heavy or as eerie sounding (to me), and similar things can be said about other genres and bands. Personally, I'd rather not play a song if a singer can't do it in the original key.
 
#6
I think its fine to change keys to fit the vocalist, as long as it don't make the song weird to play. If it makes the song difficult, then I'd rather do a different tune. But otherwise, I'd prefer the vocalist sound great, so it doesn't bother me one bit. And, from my experience, no one in the crowd seems to notice or care.
 
#8
Pet peeve of mine but one I've learned to deal with playing in as many different bands and environments as I do. I would ALWAYS prefer to play the song in its recorded key but sometimes that's just painful if your singer can't hack it.

Guitar playing worship leaders with capos and limited vocal range are some of the worst offenders, IME. ;)
 
#9
Vocals are huge. I like playing the songs in the original key, but every now and then we will adjust for the singer. Most of the time it is not a big deal. I agree though that there are times when a song can't be altered. On the other hand if the vocals don't sound good it doesn't matter how good the music is. We have decided not to play certain songs because the singer can't sing do it. It's just the way it goes.
 
#11
We always work up the song in the best key for the singer. Doesn't matter what original key it is in, unless the original key...say E or A...is critical to the guitar parts. For instance, Jeff Beck stuff from Rough & Ready really needs to stay in the written keys for the guitar parts to work. But most material can survive a key change very easily...especially 1/2 to 1 step down or up. The goal is to bring out the best qualities of the singers voice and range.
So, if the singer sounds best in a certain key, then it's a no-brainer to change the key.
Good singers and A-Listers know their range and choose their key and the musicians accommodate.
 
#12
agreatheight said:
I think its fine to change keys to fit the vocalist, as long as it don't make the song weird to play. If it makes the song difficult, then I'd rather do a different tune. But otherwise, I'd prefer the vocalist sound great, so it doesn't bother me one bit. And, from my experience, no one in the crowd seems to notice or care.
Click to expand...

Says it all. If changing the key is even an issue, it probably means you are in a cover band. If you are in a cover band, vocals rule. Audience will generally not know the key has been changed.

Funny, ages ago when I was in college for music it was a sign of musical prowess for an instrumentalist to be able to transpose music quickly and accurately in order to suit the needs of the other instrumentation, arranger, etc. Far from complaining about it, we were proud of being able to do it..............
 
#15
Of course you have to suit the vocalist, but the singer in this band has a very limited range. I understand there are going to be songs that you have to change the key, but if you bring in five songs and have to change the key on all five of those songs you might need a singer with a little better range.
 
#16
For me, it depends on the song. I'm usually good at playing in different keys. I've been in several situation where most songs were transposed down. One particular song tripped me up horribly though! September by EW&F! I've ALWAYS played it in the original key but this one band had it down half a step! Pissed me off! Really, guys??? 1/2 a step?
 
#17
You absolutely have to accommodate the singer’s voice to sound good and last more than a few songs.

Audiences are far more sensitive to a straining voice (uncomfortable to listen to) than a key change, which most times isn’t noticeable to the average listener.

I play a five-string and learn most songs with no open strings, so transposing is just moving the pattern where I need to. My rhythm guitarist is more a drummer/percussionist (switches around depending on the song) so sometimes I help by transposing the chords before throwing him the song.
 
#18
If your policy of not changing the keys of songs to suit the vocalists' range causes him to strain or not make certain notes, you aren't doing yourself any favors. I've learned by being both the lead vocalist and the bassist. You have to be able to change keys if needed. It's going to come up again and again so you may as well get used to it.
 

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