[Jomi]

How do I tell what key a tune is in? Is it the first note played? The last?

If this has already been answered somewhere else I'd appreciate a pointer.

thanks.

[X4StringDrive]

By ear I couldn't tell ya, But on the sheet, music has a key signature on the staff at the beginning of the piece, and if it modulates{changes} then that usually shows in the staff as well. Thats just my basic limited "trying to learn" music reading thoughts.

and I'll be back as I'd like to know more as well...off to work now.

[Jomi]

Thanks WW, my computer is fine now, I only had problems for a few days. I've been drifting in and out of the site for the last few weeks mainly because I've been doing other things.
I thought it was the first note too, but I asked a guitarist last night and he said it CAN be, but it's not always! He couldn't explain either, he said he just 'knew'. Looks like I need to learn a lot more theory before I can get my head round this.
I've read PT several times and at at last I understand something - but not how I know the key!
Fingers crossed that someone can explain it!

[Jomi]

Thanks X4,
It's by ear I want to learn since I can't read music, or watching the guitarists fingers.
Looks like this thread could be useful for a few of us.

[knight46]

Jomi,
Here is another thread that delt with the key of a song, Finding Keys
Hope this helps.

[Fretsource]

Originally Posted by knight46

Jomi,
Here is another thread that delt with the key of a song, Finding Keys
Hope this helps.

I'd forgotten about that thread, Knight.

Check it out Jomi. It covers not only how to find the key but also the key you lost down the back of the couch - as well as information on how the Mafia is run.
It's a real 'value for money' thread.

[Jomi]

Thanks Knight46, I followed the link and I had one of those 'Eureka' moments - I suddenly realised I'm much dimmer than I'd originally feared.

[Jomi]

Thanks Fretsource,

I read through the whole thread, there are parts that are difficult to follow because I still getting my head round Roman numerals and chords (I'm ok with Roman numerals and notes) but at least I can keep going back to the explanation now.
I think I did get at least a partial understanding.

WW Other things
Sorry, temporary loss of control, I'm ok now! There are no 'other things'.

[Fretsource]

As Witchy Woman said, it's almost always the first CHORD that tells you the key (not the first note). And as she also pointed out there are exceptions.
In fact it's almost always the chord that comes in on a strong beat. Most songs start with that chord. For example, "The Streets of London" that you posted recently. That starts on a strong beat "HAVE you seen....". So whichever chord you played there - that's the key.
Exceptions are songs that precede that first key chord with an intro chord that leads to that strong key chord.
Perfect Day is an example. It's in A minor but the intro starts with E leading to A minor and when he starts singing the verse "Just a perfect day..." It's A minor - and that's the key.

The last chord of almost every song (and the note too this time) are even more likely to be the key chord and note, unless, as WW said, it changes key somewhere in the middle.

What's interesting is that, as you write great songs, it shows that you understand the concept of key very well. When you write a song, how do you know which chord to end the song on? It's because there's only one chord it could be, right? - and that's the key chord.
Your feeling for music directs you to naturally end on the key chord by ear, at least in everything you've posted so far.

[noel mcmaster]

Hi Jomi
Are you using sheet music or playing by ear.
Mac

[starsailor]

Good thread Jomi and good to see you around again.

[Jomi]

Thanks a lot Fretsource, nice simple description, I think I understand the gist of it now.

You're welcome WW,

Thanks MyCoolCane (MCC?)

Mac, I have to go by ear, I can't read sheet music.

Thanks Starsailor.

[X4StringDrive]

+1 Jomi, on the good thread

+1 to Fertsource as well, good explanation

Thanks

[Aunt Doty]

Jomi, Your songs are so good, I forget you don't know it all and wonder why you feel the need to improve!
When I'm playing with a group and don't know the song, I definitely have to watch their fingers. After a couple of bars it usually just repeats its self, so that makes it easier! I play by ear also.........and sometimes I'm a little deaf and my fingers don't know it!!!!!

[jdpaz]

Another way to find the key would be to pick out the melody notes and write them down. Take special note of which notes are "sharps/flats". Compare the number and name of the sharps/flats to this chart.

It's not foolproof---just another tool to use.