Determine keys made easy
In this blog post, you will learn how to identify different keys and what tools are available to help you.
SHARE:
Gordon November
Gordon November
Navigation
Music is a universal language that connects people all over the world. But how exactly is a piece of music structured? What gives it its unique mood, be it cheerful, sad, hopeful, or melancholic?
The key to this lies in the key.
What Exactly is a Key?
You might ask yourself: What is so special about a key? The answer is simple and fascinating!
The Musical Blueprint of a Song
Imagine the key as the blueprint of a house. It dictates which “building blocks,” or in this case tones and chords, a piece of music is composed of. For example, if a song is composed in C major, then most of its tones and chords are based on the C major scale.
Key Signatures as Signposts
Now it gets exciting! Each key has its own scale and this has a special sequence of semitones. This is where the key signatures come into play. They are, so to speak, small signposts that show us which key we are currently in.
For example, C major has no key signatures, while G major has one sharp.
Keys Can Change!
Yes, you read that right! Some songs have small surprises in store and change their key during the course of the piece. This moment is called modulation.
But don’t worry, with an attentive ear you will quickly notice the change of tones and chords and even enjoy it.
Overview of the Different Keys
When we talk about keys, the terms major and minor inevitably come up. But how many keys are there really and how do they differ?
Major and Minor: a Basic Classification
In the chromatic scale, each of the 12 tones has both a major and a minor key, which means that there are a total of 24 basic keys. The distinction between major and minor is based on the third, which starts from the root of the respective scale.
A major third indicates major, while a minor third signals minor. Simply put: Major usually sounds brighter and minor darker or more melancholic.
Parallel Keys
Another important concept in music theory is that of parallel keys. Each major key has an associated minor key that is three semitones lower. For example, A minor is the parallel minor key to C major.
With this overview, you have the basics of keys under control and can delve further into music theory.
On the Trail of Key Signatures: how to Recognize the Key
Are you wondering how to determine the key of a piece? The answer might be simpler than you think! Key signatures are your key here, and the circle of fifths your map.
Key signatures as your navigation instrument
Each key has its own characteristic number of key signatures. And this is where the circle of fifths comes into play, an extremely useful tool. It represents all keys with their respective key signatures in a clear order.
Interestingly, the keys in the circle of fifths are always a fifth apart, like from C to G. And as you move from one key to the next, you will notice that the number of key signatures increases – from zero key signatures in C major to one sharp in G major and so on.
The Secret of Parallel Minor Keys
In the middle of the circle of fifths you will find the parallel minor keys. These little siblings of the major keys share the same key signatures with them. Remember that, as discussed earlier, they are a minor third below the major root.
So if you come across 4 sharps in a piece of music, take a look at the circle of fifths – it will either be E major or C sharp minor. With the circle of fifths by your side, you will soon be able to identify keys like a pro.
Determine the key by chords: A practical guide
Sometimes the chords hold up a mirror to us and show us the way to the key. Are you wondering how that works? No problem! We’ll take a look at it step by step.
Identify Chords: the Beginning is Made!
Have you ever held guitar notes in your hands? Often only the chords are indicated. And this is exactly where we start. Let’s take the song “Wellerman” as an example: Here you will find chords like Cm, Fm, G7, Ab and Eb.
Decipher the Tones in the Chords
To get to the bottom of the key, we break down these chords into their individual tones:
Cm: C, Eb, G
Fm: F, Ab, C
G7: G, B, D, F
Ab: Ab, C, Eb
Eb: Eb, G, Bb
Master Keys Without Sheet Music
With the new turbo training, you'll be proficient in every musical key within a few weeks.
(no sheet music knowledge required)
Next Step: Determine the Key
With these tones and key signatures in your luggage, you can now use the circle of fifths for help. With the three b key signatures mentioned, you will end up with Eb major or C minor. A little tip on the side: Not all chords have to fit into the key. Some composers like to dance out of line, as in the case of the G7 chord with its B. But don’t let that irritate you! Strictly speaking, the G7 chord occurs in C “harmonically” minor. But that can be ignored for today.
The Ear as a Compass: Recognize Keys Intuitively
Music has the fascinating ability to influence our emotions. Even without musical training, you can perceive a lot through your feeling and hearing. Here we will look at how you can determine keys by ear – don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!
The End Often Reveals the Beginning
It is no surprise that the final tone of a song is often the root of the key. This tone gives the feeling of “completeness” and resolves all musical tensions.
For example, if a song ends with the tone G, the key could be G major or G minor. But note, music is art and composers often take liberties.
Sometimes they deliberately end songs without a clear ending to leave a tension. But with a little creativity, you can create an alternative ending yourself and thus determine the key.
The Feeling as a Guide
Have you ever noticed that some songs sound sad and others sound cheerful? This is often due to the key. Minor usually sounds melancholic, while major is more lively and cheerful. Even if you think you can’t hear the difference, try it out – your hearing will often surprise you!
Let’s approach the whole thing practically:
Listen to the song: Find a place that you feel is a suitable ending.
Sing or hum this final tone: Trust your feeling and your ear.
Find this tone on an instrument: A piano is very helpful here.
Feel the mood: Does the tone (and the entire song) sound sad (minor) or cheerful (major)?
If you now think, “I can never do that!”, then dare to try it out. It will get easier every time and you will soon sharpen your musical sense.
With these tips and tricks, you are well equipped to determine keys by ear. It’s like everything else: practice makes perfect. So, get started and trust your ears!
Conclusion
The key is the heart of music, which gives us orientation and guides us through the different moods and emotions of a piece of music. Whether you are an aspiring musician, an enthusiastic music lover, or just curious – understanding keys will deepen your perception of music.
Take the time to recognize the key in the songs you love, and you will hear them with new ears. Use my free workshop. Here I will guide you step by step and support you in recognizing keys intuitively.
Play Piano by Intuition
Share this post:
More topics for you:
Play Piano by Intuition
Master Keys Without Sheet Music
With the new turbo training, you'll be proficient in every key signature within just a few weeks.
(no knowledge of sheet music required)
