The key of A

Jasaoke · Post by **Jasaoke** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 5:38 pm

I have always had pronounced difficulty singing in the key of A. It's not a range issue, I'm fine in G, and Bb through C are downright cozy. D is a bit of a stretch but I can hang. Something about hitting the proper intervals in A is a real challenge for me. It's odd because I can transpose a song a half-step or so and be fine, just somethin' about singing in A.

So what's your favorite/least favorite key? and why?

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:34 pm

G can be tough for me sometimes, and because so many bluegrass and country songs are in that key, it can make for a long night. For some reason, I'm usually okay in A, though.
I hate playing harmonica in D and E, because those harps use the most wind, and they're low in pitch. I love playing in C, and the rare song in B is my favorite, it's bright and keening. A slow blues in B is a harmonica player's dream. Sonny Boy II's "The Sky Is Crying" comes to mind.

moxham123 · Post by **moxham123** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 7:06 pm

We do a song in Eb that I have to sing and it gives me fits sometimes.

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 3:53 am

Notes are notes. I don't understand how the key signature would make a difference.

I mean as long as its in range, why would an "A" note sung in the key of A be any different than a "A" note sung in the key of G?

Jasaoke · Post by **Jasaoke** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 2:06 am

Lonewolf, that's exactly what I'm talking about. For reasons unknown to me, singing the same notes in the key of A are more difficult for me than the 'same' notes in another key.

It's kinda weird, but key is VERY important. It's often very dependent on the singer. Many Broadway tunes are in Bb, and they sound amazing. But transpose them a full step and they fall flat, so to speak.

Eb is very weird. As a guitar player, I'm so conditioned to E that the half-step can be a real stumbling block.

And I'm loving C lately.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 4:21 am

Jasaoke wrote:
It's kinda weird, but key is VERY important. It's often very dependent on the singer. Many Broadway tunes are in Bb, and they sound amazing. But transpose them a full step and they fall flat, so to speak.

Another big reason why Broadway tunes are in Bb is probably due to horns being Bb instruments. Any horn player who talks in C concert terms is my kinda horn player. *lol*

Jasoke wrote:And I'm loving C lately.

If an auditioning pianist or keyboardist ever says this, don't walk, run the hell away! *lol*