How to know the key of the song?

[GLR87]

I was in a battle of the bands last night, and all of the judges wrote that my guitar work was excellent, but I wasn't always in key with the song...I have two questions..because I've never known this.

!) how do you know the key of the song your playing

2) when your soloing what do you play to stay with the key of the song

I hope someone can clear this up for me..

[PilotC150]

That's really a loaded question. You should really check out the theory thread that's around here and read it through-and-through. That will either answer your question, or focus your questions so they can be better answered.

[unccrombie]

when soloing you follow the scale of the key your song is in. for example: if your song is the in the key of A you can use any scale associated with A (major, minor, blues, etc)

www.looknohands.com for future reference

[jmkratt]

If you are playing out of key, you're going to sound completely off. Especially if the songs an a minor key and you're soloing over a major key for example, you are going to sound like you are playing a completely different song. For you not to notice this you must be relatively close because otherwise it would be like a slap in the ears/face of anyone listening. I would definately take some time and learn some theory, that will solve your problem for sure.

[unccrombie]

my second question is this: how can you be in a band, and not realize what you're doing is wrong. doesnt anyone in the band have ears/music knowledge?

[Obsessor Of 41]

You should be able to tell if you're in key or not, if you can't, I'd suggest floor monitors. Take lessons, then you'll never fall out of key again.

[Pipsqueak]

That's really a loaded question. You should really check out the theory thread that's around here and read it through-and-through. That will either answer your question, or focus your questions so they can be better answered.


yep...
what he said.

I've answered both of your questions very thoroughly in that thread.

It's "stickied" at the top.

[JG2121]

If you hit a note out of key, just bend it till its back in key - that's what hendrix used to do. Combine that with a serious look on your face and people will just think your being artistic.

Definitely check out the theory thread, and I learned some little solo tricks at
www.guitarnoise.com