• From: Deep Run, NC
  • Registered: 2010-01-29
  • Posts: 90

Topic: What Key do I sing in?

I don't know if this question belongs in this forum or a different one.  Mod please move it if I screwed up and posted in the wrong forum.  I play Acoustic guitar so I figured this is the place to post my question.  I know, well get on with the question already.

How do I know what key my voice is when I sing a song?  I try to sing along with my playing, but there are songs that just sound better than other songs.  This lady I know who sings in the church told me that I should look for songs that are in my key range.  I tried using my digital guitar tuner to see if when I sang it would move the needle and give me some idea but it didn't do anything. Is  there some way to record your singing voice and find out what is the best key or notes are to look for songs?  I heard a guy say he capo-ed the 3 fret because it was easier to sing the song for him that way.

I know you all are laughing like crazy at this question, but I'm serious, I really don't have a clue what I'm doing when it comes to singing.  I asked my wife and she said to just play the guitar and keep my mouth shut.  No help from her....

tonyespo / 63 year old NEWBEE

I better learn to play fast, I'm already an old fart.
  • Registered: 2008-01-07
  • Posts: 2

Re: What Key do I sing in?

if you don't play,  have someone play your songs in different keys on piano or guitar till you find the key that fits your voice. Write the key down so you will remember it. Also your voice wont be the same key for all songs.

  • Registered: 2008-01-07
  • Posts: 2

Re: What Key do I sing in?

if you play guitar get a capo and try playing in different positions on the neck

  • NELA
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  • From: West Monroe, La. 71292
  • Registered: 2007-11-28
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Re: What Key do I sing in?

Just because a song is written out in a certain chord progression (key) doesn't mean you can't change it to a key that is comfortable for you to sing in. Trial and error will help get you into thst comfort zone. You do not want to strain your voice trying to sing in a key that's out of your range. Experminent until you get there.

Nela

NELA's Website

  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
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Re: What Key do I sing in?

Take a song that you are comfortable singing.  Take a look at the chords of that song and figure out what key it is (if you have trouble with that, I'm sure another post in the theory section or back here in acoustic would get you the answer).  Then you know you can sing in that key at least. 

What annoys me is that not all songs in the same key work.  For instance, I always, always, always have trouble getting my voice to start off right in "Forever and Ever Amen" in D.  But I have no trouble whatsoever singing Early Morning Rain in D.  Other songs, A is easy as pie, but if I try to take another song to A it's awful. 


So, do what you can, but don't worry too much.  A lot of us are having the same trouble and still having fun.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • Registered: 2009-11-16
  • Posts: 605

Re: What Key do I sing in?

I sing baddly in all keys!!! LOL

  • From: Deep Run, NC
  • Registered: 2010-01-29
  • Posts: 90

Re: What Key do I sing in?

Butch, I think I'm in the same boat you're in.  I'm thinking key is not really the issue.   However that said, thanks everyone for your comments and I will give it try and see if I can get some songs that work better than others.

tonyespo / 63 year old NEWBEE

I better learn to play fast, I'm already an old fart.

8 Reply by NELA (edited by NELA 2011-03-17 01:47:19)

  • NELA
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  • From: West Monroe, La. 71292
  • Registered: 2007-11-28
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Re: What Key do I sing in?

tony, as I posted earlier - you don't need to look for songs that work for you - you can change the key of the song so it works for you.

If a song you like and wanna sing is written out in the Key of "G" but that key is just not comfortable for you then change the key to "A" or "C" or "D" - anything thats not to high or low for you. You may sing one song in a certain key but the next song won't work for you in that key. Now after my typing all this I need to tell you that I don't sing but my wife does and I play for her. When we find a song(s) that she likes we'll work on it until she can sing it without any strain to her voice. It's hard to explain but some songs she is comfortable in a key that she cannot sing the next song in. Once we have worked out a song to her key we rewrite it to show that key and where the chord changes are. This goes into both of our music books for later use. It's kinda trail and error. It'll take time and practice before you get it right. If you have someone to help, let them listen and you play and sing in differend keys. Also, keep in mind that the capo is your friend. Your singing voice could be in Bb or Eb or F. The capo would eliminate you having to play a bunch'a barre chords and keep you playing the easier open chords.

I have a bunch of songs - mostly older country, some blues and light gospel - that I have worked out in different keys on my computer. These songs show the key and chords that work along with the CD's we took them from. Granted the key may be different from the CD but, as written, work for my wife's singing voice. If some of the songs I have are something you might like then let me know and I'll send you a few that might help.

Nela

NELA's Website

  • From: Deep Run, NC
  • Registered: 2010-01-29
  • Posts: 90

Re: What Key do I sing in?

Nela, thanks for the offer.  I'm going to play around with the Capo and recording my voice at different levels and see what happens.
However I will keep this post and let you know about hearing your recordings.

Thanks,
Tony

tonyespo / 63 year old NEWBEE

I better learn to play fast, I'm already an old fart.

10 Reply by Buzzwagon (edited by Buzzwagon 2011-03-17 08:25:32)

  • From: Hampshire, UK
  • Registered: 2008-11-23
  • Posts: 306

Re: What Key do I sing in?

As important as the key is the range. You will have natural keys that are easy for you but if you have limited range, and 90% of us do, you won't be able to sing all songs in that key. There will be songs that you simply can't sing, but that's life. You will be able to improve your range however by practising and getting singing lessons, just don't expect miracles.

As an earlier poster said, the way to find out what keys you can sing in, and what songs you can sing in those keys, is by trial and error. And as other posters have said you can always transpose songs outside of your keys either using a capo or by playing the song in open position in a different key.

Good luck and enjoy!

Jerry

Live the life you love, love the life you live
  • From: U.S.
  • Registered: 2007-01-24
  • Posts: 269

Re: What Key do I sing in?

What's a "KEY".

  • zguitar
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  • From: Mentone, Ca
  • Registered: 2009-01-10
  • Posts: 1,367

Re: What Key do I sing in?

Is "bad" a key? If so, I got that one nailed.

Keep Rockin!!!!!!!!!!!
  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: What Key do I sing in?

Mostly, but not always, the first and last chord in a song is the key of the song. Most often a song in "C" will begin and end with a C chord.
Some melodies are written high in a particular key and others written low in the same key.
All we need to be concerned with is finding our comfortable vocal range.
Try it higher, try it lower until you find a range where you can sing it most comfortably. It varies with each different song.

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

tubatooter1940's Website

  • Registered: 2011-01-09
  • Posts: 251

Re: What Key do I sing in?

zguitar wrote:

Is "bad" a key? If so, I got that one nailed.

My usual key, learning a new song, is "OFF".

Hank's prosepctive gutiar player said: "Mr Williams, I'm not sure I can play for you, the onliest chords I know are C D & G"
Hank repleis, after a short pause: "Well, what else is there?"
  • From: Deep Run, NC
  • Registered: 2010-01-29
  • Posts: 90

Re: What Key do I sing in?

Thanks everyone for the replies and for letting me know that I am not the only one on Chordie who can't sing.  This is what I have tried and it works.  I find a song I like and I sing it in a key that feels good to me so I'm not straining my voice.  I record it.  If it sounds good I keep it, if it doesn't I forget it and find another song.  So far "Mary had a little lamb" and "Old McDonald had a farm" are keepers.  LOL

tonyespo / 63 year old NEWBEE

I better learn to play fast, I'm already an old fart.
  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: What Key do I sing in?

Most neophyte singers copy big time musical stars singing. This is good because you find out what styles and range fit you. You never know if you sound good doing a song until you try it. Then as posted above, you cull out the sucky ones and keep the tunes you do best.
After years of covering popular singers, you get an idea of what your original style should be and start breaking new ground in that direction.

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

tubatooter1940's Website