LearnGospelMusic.com Community

Please login or register.
Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Down

Author Topic: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..  (Read 5413 times)

Offline chevonee

  • LGM Royalty
  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13133
  • Gender: Female
  • Back and better than ever!
    • God's Glory

Now I know that this is a very dumb question and if you want, feel free to criticize me if you want...I want someone to explain transposing to me...because on one hand you have (-1 thru -12) on the other side you have ( regular 1 thru 12)..If you play in the key of Eb and someone sings a song in F...lets just say its a man...how do you know whether to transpose to a negative or a positive key??I have searched this site as far as I could, I'm not a member yet...so someone please explain to me...what do I do?
Strike while the iron is hot!

Offline 2tight

  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1619
  • Gender: Male

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #1 on: June 15, 2007, 03:41:15 PM »
Now I know that this is a very dumb question and if you want, feel free to criticize me if you want...I want someone to explain transposing to me...because on one hand you have (-1 thru -12) on the other side you have ( regular 1 thru 12)..If you play in the key of Eb and someone sings a song in F...lets just say its a man...how do you know whether to transpose to a negative or a positive key??I have searched this site as far as I could, I'm not a member yet...so someone please explain to me...what do I do?

If u go into the negative that mean u r going down a half step.if u go into the positive u r going up a half step.For example if  u r playing in the key of Eb and the person is singing in E u will transpose  to positive 1.if u r playing in C# and the person is singing in C u will transpose to negative 1.I hope this help u.
Shannon moore

Offline T-Block

  • LGM Royalty
  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17289
  • Gender: Male
  • I got my MBA!!!

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #2 on: June 15, 2007, 03:55:39 PM »
Forget about the transpose button altogether and learn to play in every key.
Real musicians play in every key!!!
Music Theory, da numbers work!

Offline ddw4e

  • LGM Royalty
  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6675
  • Gender: Male
  • Just doing what i do! LOL!

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #3 on: June 15, 2007, 04:01:58 PM »
Read T-Block's signature LOL

"Real musicians play in every key!!!" :D
MERCY EN!!

Offline 2tight

  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1619
  • Gender: Male

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #4 on: June 15, 2007, 04:09:21 PM »
Forget about the transpose button altogether and learn to play in every key.

Im guilty to of transposing.Im trying to stop using it.I agree with u about not using the transpose button.
Shannon moore

Offline yaboyisblessed

  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #5 on: June 15, 2007, 04:46:58 PM »
Transposing is a handycap.

Offline chevonee

  • LGM Royalty
  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13133
  • Gender: Female
  • Back and better than ever!
    • God's Glory

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #6 on: June 15, 2007, 05:22:02 PM »
Hey I told yall it was probably a dumb question...No offense to you guys but a baby doesn't come out of the womb walking...you have to crawl before you walk...I haven't been playing very long at all...that's why this website exists...LEARNGOSPELMUSIC....So yes, as I said I am learning how to play in every key but right now I have to do what I have to do because I play for a church now...
Strike while the iron is hot!

Offline T-Block

  • LGM Royalty
  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17289
  • Gender: Male
  • I got my MBA!!!

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #7 on: June 15, 2007, 07:00:37 PM »
Hey I told yall it was probably a dumb question...No offense to you guys but a baby doesn't come out of the womb walking...you have to crawl before you walk...I haven't been playing very long at all...that's why this website exists...LEARNGOSPELMUSIC....So yes, as I said I am learning how to play in every key but right now I have to do what I have to do because I play for a church now...

That has nothing to do with transposing.  Since a baby has to crawl before it walks, then u should start practicing in one key at a time.  Then, once u can play in all keys, then try to play in a service.
Real musicians play in every key!!!
Music Theory, da numbers work!

Offline BroAllan

  • LGM Royalty
  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 560
    • http://

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #8 on: June 16, 2007, 03:49:26 AM »
Hey I told yall it was probably a dumb question...No offense to you guys but a baby doesn't come out of the womb walking...you have to crawl before you walk...I haven't been playing very long at all...that's why this website exists...LEARNGOSPELMUSIC....So yes, as I said I am learning how to play in every key but right now I have to do what I have to do because I play for a church now...

That has nothing to do with transposing.  Since a baby has to crawl before it walks, then u should start practicing in one key at a time.  Then, once u can play in all keys, then try to play in a service.

     Believe me T-Block, I am one who discourages transposing.  However the reality is that most of us began playing with the praise and worship team without being properly equipped in music theory.  In fact, a lot of musicians find themselves in a position where suddenly they have to learn more about music theory for one reason or another.

     I learned that non-musicians really don't understand how much work and knowledge it takes to go through a praise and worship set.  In their eyes, if you can play an instrument, then you should be able to play pretty much any song.  They don't realize that for those of us who play the keyboard or piano, changing the key of the song might make all the difference as to whether or not we are able to play the song. 

     Therefore, each musician will respond to the responsibilities and the expectations that are placed upon him or her.  I was expected to play each song in the key that we were singing it in, so if I didn't know that particular key, I used the dreaded transpose button, BUT, my attitude was that I was gonna practice the keys that I didn't know, until I grew confident in those keys.

     I said all that to say this, "I believe that it's the attitude of the musician concerning using the transpose button that really matters ..."      Transposing for convenience or out of necessity, that's really the question ... 
                                                      God bless ...  BroAllan   ;)

Offline T-Block

  • LGM Royalty
  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17289
  • Gender: Male
  • I got my MBA!!!

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #9 on: June 16, 2007, 07:50:41 AM »
I understand completely where yall are coming from.  I just can't give my stamp of approval on using the transposing button because I feel it's wrong.  You can disagree with me, but that's where I stand.

Like I said in an ealier thread, the keyboard is the only instrument with transpose.  Every other instrument player in the world has no choice but to play in every key, so why should keyboardists be any different?
Real musicians play in every key!!!
Music Theory, da numbers work!

Offline ministerofworship

  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 98
  • Gender: Male
  • Wifey

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #10 on: June 16, 2007, 05:02:47 PM »
The transpose button can be used in emergency situations.  I understand T-Block's point.  You should learn to play in all keys, but sometimes you get stuff in different situation and not know the theory or have the skill to play in different keys.  To help the babe: to transpose a song to another key: ex. if you're in the key of Eb and some one is singing in G, count the number of keys that G is away from Eb (4).  Set the transpose to #4.   So just count keys from where you are to where you want to go.
Musically yours.

Offline BroAllan

  • LGM Royalty
  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 560
    • http://

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #11 on: June 17, 2007, 06:10:28 AM »
I understand completely where yall are coming from.  I just can't give my stamp of approval on using the transposing button because I feel it's wrong.  You can disagree with me, but that's where I stand.

Like I said in an ealier thread, the keyboard is the only instrument with transpose.  Every other instrument player in the world has no choice but to play in every key, so why should keyboardists be any different?

     My Brother, guitar players have a Transpose tool they use, it's called a "Capo" ... and I've seen many good musicians, even professionals use it. 

     I totally agree with you that we should play in all keys, and in all honesty, I'm comfortable playing in maybe 9 keys, while the other three I can still play in, but I'm not as skillful playing them.

     BUT, I'll be working diligently to nail down all 12 keys so I can be a "Real Musician!"  ;)  When that day comes T-Block, I'll be sure to let you know because you are both an inspiration, and a great help to me and many others!       
                    God Bless You T!       BroAllan :)

drums2keys

  • Guest
Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #12 on: June 17, 2007, 05:10:31 PM »
Just stay away from that button on my 88 keys in the church i dont even know how to find the transpose mode.

Offline KevinP

  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 142
  • Gender: Male
  • Yep, that's me.

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #13 on: June 18, 2007, 03:35:48 AM »
     My Brother, guitar players have a Transpose tool they use, it's called a "Capo" ... and I've seen many good musicians, even professionals use it. 

Yes but a capo doesn't just allow you to cheat and play in a different key (which it does), but it allows things that you could play otherwise. I sure don't know any gospel examples, but a pop song that uses the capo in a high position, the seventh fret, is the Beatles' 'Here Comes the Sun,' which couldn't really be played note-for-note in the same key without the capo.

To answer the original question, about positive or negative numbers, you can go either way. From Eb to F would be +2 but you could also get there by -10, although it would sound an octave lower. Generally, you should go to the nearest one. Also, it's better not to think of it as +/-12 (actually, it's +/-11 anyway since 12 would just be changing the octave), but to think of it as +/-6. That covers all the keys right there and gets you tot he closest one.

I generally don't like the transpose function either, but there have been times when, right before the service began, our pastor gave me some music to play which I was unfaimliar with. No way can I sightread AND transpose.
I am too alone in the world, and not alone enough to make every minute holy.
-- Rilke --

Offline T-Block

  • LGM Royalty
  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17289
  • Gender: Male
  • I got my MBA!!!

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #14 on: June 18, 2007, 06:52:02 AM »
     My Brother, guitar players have a Transpose tool they use, it's called a "Capo" ... and I've seen many good musicians, even professionals use it. 

Wow, I stand corrected.  I never knew guitar players could transpose.  Well, that's 2 instruments.  That's still a very small number compared to all the other instrument players who have no choice but to play in every key.

Now I know that this is a very dumb question and if you want,

Oh by the way chevonee, this isn't a dumb question.  There are no dumb questions when it comes to music.  Just thought I'd point that out. ;)
Real musicians play in every key!!!
Music Theory, da numbers work!

Offline KevinP

  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 142
  • Gender: Male
  • Yep, that's me.

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #15 on: June 18, 2007, 07:04:11 AM »
There are no dumb questions when it comes to music. 

Where's the volume control on my acoustic piano?
I am too alone in the world, and not alone enough to make every minute holy.
-- Rilke --

Offline T-Block

  • LGM Royalty
  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17289
  • Gender: Male
  • I got my MBA!!!

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #16 on: June 18, 2007, 07:14:32 AM »
Where's the volume control on my acoustic piano?


HAHAHAHAHAHA, when u find it let me know!!! ;D :D
Real musicians play in every key!!!
Music Theory, da numbers work!

Offline Salvador

  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 324
  • Gender: Male

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #17 on: June 18, 2007, 07:22:46 AM »
Man I bring up capos everytime this issue is brought up and no one ever paid attention to me. >:(
Yes but a capo doesn't just allow you to cheat and play in a different key (which it does)
What is the "it" in this sentence? A capo or transpose button.

But you can note for note transpose on a guitar. I did it while trying to figure out Be It Unto Me by Marvin Sapp.
It's in Bbm so I downtuned my guitar so I was playing things in Am but the notes were down half a step (to Bbm).

And BroAllan is right. I'd actually take it a step further and say that something like 80% of the guitar tapping stuff you hear and see there's alternate tunings and/or capos involved. I have a hard time believing someone like Mark Tremonti has a bad musical ear.

Offline Ladyn

  • LGM Royalty
  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 467
  • Gender: Female

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #18 on: June 18, 2007, 09:48:51 AM »
I am not that skilled in all 12 keys yet, but I won't use the button because I feel it is counterproductive.  If I am playing in the key of C and I "hear" the key of F or Ab I am making false connections between my brain and my hands. I don't know all of the technical lingo to explain it properly, but I think you hinder or slow down your ability to play in all 12 keys using that "button".

 I can play comfortably in about 9 keys, the others I can play basic progressions in, but can't improvise yet.  I think we want to rush ourselves too much.  I will not play like ____________ (you fill in the blank) because he/she has been playing for 10 years or more!!!!! I have only been playing one year. I don't play in my church yet even though I do play better than the current keyboardist, and I know more theory(no joke she uses the button! ) I DON'T CARE EITHER! 
I refuse to  do anything I am not ready for. JMHO. When the Lord says so I will play under Her direction. 

Nichole

Offline Kendall1

  • LGM Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 191
  • Gender: Male

Re: Here's a dumb question, but I want to know so here it goes..
« Reply #19 on: June 18, 2007, 03:32:57 PM »
 Just remember it this way. If you can only play in Eb and the person is playing in F then remember this...If you transpose in the + then you move the key F back how ever many spaces u want. If you transpose in the - then you're transposing the key F up.

Transposing + equals moving F back to the E key
Transposing - equals moving F up to the F# key

Mr. Keyz AKA REV
I press on toward the mark of a higher calling that in which I have been called in Christ-Phil. 3:14
Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Up