Just Plain Folks Music Organization Message Boards: What keys do you prefer to write in?

#941610 - 01/21/12 07:32 AM What keys do you prefer to write in?
Everett Adams Everett Adams Top 100 Poster Registered: 08/31/02 Posts: 4726 Loc: ,NL Canada	I'd say 70+% of what I write is in A and D, some in E,a few in C. _________________________ The more often you taste the bitterness of defeat, the sweeter final victory will be. May the flowers of love forever bloom in your garden of life. http://www.soundclick.com/newsflashsounds http://www.soundclick.com/newsflashgospel http://www.cdbaby.com/all/eca333 http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/newsflashsounds
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#941618 - 01/21/12 09:22 AM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Everett Adams]
Lynn Orloff Lynn Orloff Top 100 Poster Registered: 04/06/06 Posts: 5161 Loc: PA of the great USA	Since I sometimes write in the car I'll switch between the Corolla key and the Pontiac Van key. _________________________ My Music at Soundclick http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=788266 Always open to collaborations $\:\)$ God Bless Our Military!!!
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#941621 - 01/21/12 09:29 AM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Everett Adams]
Scott Campbell Scott Campbell Top 10 Poster Registered: 07/22/05 Posts: 10861 Loc: Lakeland, FL, USA	It's an interesting question, Everett. For me, the answer isn't so simple. A lot of stuff, I compose in C - because I can hear in my head what the chord changes sound like: C to G, C to D, C to E, C to F, C to Am, C to Em and so on. So if I know I want a melody to go in a particular direction, that's they key I use. I realize that a real musician could use a number system and do this in any key - but I'm not a real musician. $\:\)$ That approach is useful if I hear the melody in my head and just want to find a chord progression that will fit it. Sometimes though, I don't have a melody up front but, instead, develop it from playing semi-random chord progressions. In this case, it's often better for me to use a different key, precisely because I can't anticipate what a chord change will sound like. In fact, sometimes I won't even know what chord I'm playing until I figure it out after the fact. For instance, my dobro is in open D but I'll experiment with different fingerings on it without knowing what the chords are. So, like most things, it depends.... $\:\)$ Scott _________________________ Scott's CD "Full Assembly Required" on CD Baby Scott's EP Some Assembly Required - Free download at Prosity Records
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#941625 - 01/21/12 10:08 AM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Scott Campbell]
Ray E. Strode Ray E. Strode Top 100 Poster Registered: 05/22/01 Posts: 4540 Loc: Brunswick, Ga. USA	Actually it depends on what key seems to fit at the time I am trying to work out a song. I actually don't write with an instrument. After I have finished the lyrics, mostly, I pick up the guitar aand pretend to be a musician and record the song! Mostly C is a bit too low for me so I go to D. So mostly it is C or D but sometimes I will use E. _________________________ Ray E. Strode
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#941630 - 01/21/12 10:48 AM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Ray E. Strode]
Pamela Bowne Pamela Bowne Serious Contributor Registered: 01/04/01 Posts: 401 Loc: Carrabelle, FL USA	Maybe because so much of my music-in-my-head took place working under many florescent lights (which I found out a lot later) hum a B flat. I always think of the melody in any related key but C seems very difficult. My voice wants to be in F. I've found it very difficult to work with a guitarest; Players who liked my songs, and had time,( 5 or 6) often didn't have the familiarity with my keys, and I didn't have the skills to transpose, remember the parts of the song, keep time and communicate without changing my melody to fit what they tried playing. Hoping things will get easier with my own keyboard/computer set-up. Coming soon! Pam _________________________ Never think can't do - think how to
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#941647 - 01/21/12 12:16 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Everett Adams]
Aaron Corley Aaron Corley Serious Contributor Registered: 07/15/11 Posts: 150 Loc: West Valley City, UT	There is something about G minor/B flat Major that I love. I don't know what it is. Some people will tell you that it doesn't matter which key you compose in because they can be transcribed/modulated to other keys to fit the vocalist's range. As a composer, however, I have to disagree. Each key has its own mood. D Major has a happier sound than other major keys; G minor is more pensive than other minor keys. I don't know how to explain it otherwise, but when I sit down to compose, I pick the key that best fits the feeling I want to communicate. Of course, when I finished writing, I often transpose the music up or down to make it easier to read. I try not to have more then two ledger lines between the staffs. Any more than that and a pianist spends more time counting half steps than playing them. I use Finale Printmusic 2006 for all of my composing and there are some keys I would love to try, but the software won't support (G Sharp Major and F flat Major/minor, for example). Then again, keys like F Flat, C Flat, E Sharp and B Sharp really don't make a lot of sense to me anyway. I understand them from a theoretical standpoint, but from a technique standpoint, they are totally superfluous. I feel the same way about double sharps and double flats, but that's probably outside the scope of this thread. Am I curious, however, whether any of you have composed in other modes besides Ionian (major keys) and Aeolian (relative minor keys). The Dorian mode is used often in Celtic/Irish music and there have been a few examples here. I dunno... Are any of you interested in theory enough to care about stuff like that? _________________________ Looking for a good book about lyric writing? Visit http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=959266 Check out my music at http://www.soundclick.com/aaroncorley
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#941649 - 01/21/12 12:18 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Pamela Bowne]
PopTodd PopTodd Top 200 Poster Registered: 06/06/01 Posts: 1606 Loc: Western Springs, IL, USA	Seems like I tend to write a lot in D. Although when I write an instrumental, it's nearly always been in Dmin.; the saddest of all keys. Maybe you heard one... "Lick My Love Pump"? Kinda a Mach thing? But yeah, a lot of D and a lot of G. Trying to branch out a bit, hence I've been using a capo a lot more. _________________________ Hop On Pop, the band at Facebook! STREAM and DOWNLOAD Hop on Pop music
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#941651 - 01/21/12 12:22 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Aaron Corley]
Kevin Emmrich Kevin Emmrich Top 20 Poster Registered: 02/24/07 Posts: 8632 Loc: Crozet, VA	The universe "vibrates" at Bb (or close enough): http://techiescientists.blogspot.com/2007/04/b-flats-in-universe.html or http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/universe/black_hole_sound.html . I write mostly in the keys of C, D and G with a few A and E songs thrown in. _________________________ *"Make Every Line Count"* Kevin at Soundclick and ... more Soundclick skype: Kevin.Emmrich
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#941714 - 01/21/12 03:28 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Kevin Emmrich]
pathardy pathardy Serious Contributor Registered: 09/26/11 Posts: 103	I write in the key of E# or G# Okay, 'nuff with the wisecracks $\:\)$ I write in many different keys, not favoring one particular key over the other, it just depends where the melody falls on the staff. My highest comfortable note is E4 (piano), and that's falsetto for me, so whatever key puts me where I'm not higher than that in the melody, is the key I write it in. Guitar pickers like keys with sharps in them ( or none ) because it's easier on guitar ( without a capo ), but, I often compose using the piano, so it don't matter as much. But, I just go where my voice goes. And transpose it for whoever is going to wind up performing it. P
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#941721 - 01/21/12 03:54 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: pathardy]
in2piano in2piano Top 200 Poster Registered: 04/24/09 Posts: 1304 Loc: Oregon, USA	Hey Everett... As a piano guy I tend to focus only on the black and white keys....but that's just me. I like the fact I have 88 choices. Seriously though the primary focus is the range of the tune. Range and key don't necessarily have a lot to do with each other. If it is fairly narrow almost any key can generally work. It really depends on the vocal range of my singer. Since I am usually working with one vox I have some flexibility as I'm dealing with a single vocalist. _________________________ Can't find the stairway to 'heaven'...but I know where the elevator is. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us" - Albert Schweitzer.
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#941726 - 01/21/12 04:36 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: in2piano]
the songcabinet the songcabinet Top 100 Poster Registered: 12/01/08 Posts: 3390 Loc: Denmark	I tend to sing a little flat in E, G and A, so I like to write in Eb, F and Ab. Most of the times I have forgotten that, and recorded in the straight keys, ending up regretting it. It's actually one of those areas I should give more thought. I have no idea what my own tonal range is. _________________________ Wish you all the best Magne ------------ Connect on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Songcabinet/226575740734781 Official website: http://www.thesongcabinet.com
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#941728 - 01/21/12 04:46 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: the songcabinet]
Meg Engell Meg Engell Serious Contributor Registered: 07/13/11 Posts: 433 Loc: The Place to Be	I have literally no clue what key I write songs in. I just. Tend to write and ramble and add music and have a song and it sounds pretty okay. _________________________ COLLABS - CO-WRITES - JUST ASK "I'm a renegade; it's in my blood." "Leave the barking to the ocean." Yo hago lo que quiero. TWEETERRR!
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#941732 - 01/21/12 05:33 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Meg Engell]
ben willis ben willis Top 100 Poster Registered: 04/10/06 Posts: 4842 Loc: Ft. Myers, FL. USA	Scott hit on something about the number system (Thanks Mike Dunbar). http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/900087/page/1#Post900087 You can use any key that you feel comfortable with and it can always be transcribed to another's liking, hence the number system. When I record for myself or record a demo, I feel most comfortable with key's A, C, D, E, but mostly B. I know that B is a pain to most, but I Capo the 4th fret on guitar and play G position. My vocal range is just right there. Sorry that the URL above widened the thread, but I think that it's essential. _________________________ http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=400209 http://lefthandedguitarplayer.blogspot.com/
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#941733 - 01/21/12 05:42 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: ben willis]
bholt bholt Top 200 Poster Registered: 02/18/06 Posts: 1278 Loc: Highlands, NC	I write a lot of songs in C. It's easy. Next is probably G. One key that I write some in that I think is interesting is E flat. I also write in F and D, but generally avoid keys that have lots of flats or sharps. _________________________ Betty J. Holt
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#941742 - 01/21/12 06:25 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Meg Engell]
in2piano in2piano Top 200 Poster Registered: 04/24/09 Posts: 1304 Loc: Oregon, USA	Hey Mags... I hope that was sarcasm...:). _________________________ Can't find the stairway to 'heaven'...but I know where the elevator is. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us" - Albert Schweitzer.
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#941947 - 01/23/12 10:13 AM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: in2piano]
nitepiano nitepiano Serious Contributor Registered: 10/10/03 Posts: 545 Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio USA	On piano or keyboards it all depends on the feel of the song. Power songs I usually use G,A,C,F or E. Mood stuff I like B,E,F-sharp,F. In-between feel D,B-flat,A-flat,C-sharp. I also think, for keyboardist, you should never use the transpose button. Learing to play in every key opens up a whole new world of feel and chords! _________________________ Orlando Luckey Label 19 Records http://www.myspace.com/orlandoluckey myspace.com/orlandobmi http://www.cdbaby.com/orlandoluckey2 http://www.cdbaby.com/orlandoluckey3 http://www.cdbaby.com/orlandoluckey4 http://www.cdbaby.com/orlandoluckey5
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#941952 - 01/23/12 10:35 AM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: nitepiano]
Johnny Daubert Johnny Daubert Top 100 Poster Registered: 01/27/01 Posts: 7185 Loc: New Jersey, USA	What Keys, Everett? My Piano Ones! LOL For guitar, can also be any, for I like bar chords as well as the open ones. When first starting to get a musical idea for a new song, it will be from playing certain chords or a riff, just going by tone color, not any key. Or, if I am starting to get a song come to me vocally, I will find the key I am singing or humming it in, and that's the key, unless I have to change the key later, if the high notes are out of my vocal range. I have songs in most keys, though the song, (musically and/or vocally) dictating them. My favorite key to play blues type songs though is C. Just because that;s the key I first started to play blues/jazz in at 12. So, I don't have to think about position or anything skill wise while playing that style.
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#941970 - 01/23/12 01:24 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Johnny Daubert]
John Voorpostel John Voorpostel Top 20 Poster Registered: 12/29/00 Posts: 8058 Loc: Toronto Canada	Keys, as has been pointed out, set the mood. I know I'm being blunt here, but... transposition helps the vocalist, but if it messes up the song, forget the vocalist...get a new one ...if you are the vocalist, get a new song _________________________ If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop TeamStart --- Taxboard --- iaccountant
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#942072 - 01/24/12 09:07 AM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: John Voorpostel]
Everett Adams Everett Adams Top 100 Poster Registered: 08/31/02 Posts: 4726 Loc: ,NL Canada	Thanks all. I use to write in C but I found it hard on my wrist, I can't use bar chords at all. I play a twelve string, so I don't use a capo much, too many muted strings. I don't use a pick either,finger nails only, hard on the nails though,I could never hold a pick right, either too loose or to firm. I find using fingers only give me more freedom and I can use most of my fingers to pick individual notes. I'm not a great guitar player, I know about 20 chords on the first three frets, that's it. _________________________ The more often you taste the bitterness of defeat, the sweeter final victory will be. May the flowers of love forever bloom in your garden of life. http://www.soundclick.com/newsflashsounds http://www.soundclick.com/newsflashgospel http://www.cdbaby.com/all/eca333 http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/newsflashsounds
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#942168 - 01/24/12 11:04 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Everett Adams]
Andy K Andy K Serious Contributor Registered: 04/04/03 Posts: 660 Loc: Clearwater, FL, USA	Whichever ones I can sing in, which changes with the range of the song and the harmonies required, since I'm usually harmonizing with myself on my recordings. _________________________ Stone Marmot nouveau retro pop-rock music http://www.stonemarmot.com Check out our new animated music video My Girlfriend Is A Zombie
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#944187 - 02/05/12 04:03 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Andy K]
Jim Colyer Jim Colyer Serious Contributor Registered: 06/05/06 Posts: 430 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee usa	I've written in most of the major and minor keys. My favorite key is probably C. Edited by Jim Colyer (02/05/12 04:03 PM) _________________________ I FEEL SO COUNTRY CD http://www.jimcolyer.com
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#944664 - 02/08/12 09:23 AM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Jim Colyer]
Alek Alek Serious Contributor Registered: 10/02/09 Posts: 227 Loc: Ukraine	Nobody mentioned here one important thing about keys, that advisers recommend to do: try unusual keys to avoid cliches in your songs, for example this progression: C,G,Am,F transposed half step down will be this: B,F#,G#m,E and if you play guitar then tablature will be definitely different, you even will can't play what you play in C key, so, your song will be another( maybe, closer to the next big hit) _________________________ http://www.soundclick.com/aleksandrsaltovskiy
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#944683 - 02/08/12 11:29 AM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Alek]
IdeaGuy IdeaGuy Serious Contributor Registered: 10/07/07 Posts: 1194 Loc: Philly Burbs	The Florida Keys _________________________ http://www.soundclick.com/gregswartzentruber http://www.myspace.com/gregswartzentruber http://www.youtube.com/user/unshyguy1
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#944701 - 02/08/12 12:41 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: IdeaGuy]
Mark Kaufman Mark Kaufman Top 100 Poster Registered: 09/25/07 Posts: 5927 Loc: Minneapolis	The key finds me. For any song you play, if you change keys, it will FEEL different--sure, the pitch changes, obviously...but it also has a whole different feeling...something intangible to explain, but I respond to that intangible feeling more than anything else. You can make a song more comfortable to sing by changing keys, but it might also kill that "feel". I can't really explain or describe that "feeling"...but it is what dictates the key for me, not comfort or ease of playing. _________________________ http://www.soundclick.com/MarkKaufman
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#944705 - 02/08/12 12:51 PM Re: What keys do you prefer to write in? [Re: Everett Adams]
Mackie H. Mackie H. Top 100 Poster Registered: 09/20/09 Posts: 5683 Loc: NASHVILLE, TN	EVERETTE-- AS THE YEARS PROGRESS, MY RANGE HAS NARROWED--I HAVE WRITTEN IN MANY KEYS--I FAVOR THE MINOR KEYS, SINCE MOST MOST OF MY SONGS HAVE AN ELEMENT OF CONFLICT OR SADNESS--HAPPY ONES ARE IN C, G, A OR D-- NOW IF I CAN'T HIT A HIGH NOTE, I JUST NARROW THE RANGE OF THE SONG! Mackie _________________________ SOME OF MY SONGS http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=1003914&content=music
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