Learn a new song (ISSUES)

[TheBigO30]

If I listen to a song on a CD, should i play it the same way that it is played on the Cd. I mean in the same key or play it in a differnt key. because my bass player feels that we should play all the songs in the key on the CDs. But i told him that we don't have those type of singer to carry that range so we have to adapt to what we have. Well he feels that I have limited skill that i can only play in the key of B, yes thats my favorite key but i don't play everything in that key. but should we play in the same key on the CD or adapt to a different key of the singers.

[under13]

What gospel song was recorded in B? I think that was proven to be one of the least used keys for gospel.

I Prefer to play it in the same key that it was recorded in, that just makes it a whole lot easier to practice. If the singers are having problems with range, you should make sure that they are warming up and doing vocal exercises

[sjonathan02]

If I listen to a song on a CD, should i play it the same way that it is played on the Cd. I mean in the same key or play it in a differnt key. because my bass player feels that we should play all the songs in the key on the CDs. But i told him that we don't have those type of singer to carry that range so we have to adapt to what we have. Well he feels that I have limited skill that i can only play in the key of B, yes thats my favorite key but i don't play everything in that key. but should we play in the same key on the CD or adapt to a different key of the singers.

Truthfully, either works. The key is in being adaptable. If the singers can sing it comfortably in the original key, great.


If not, switch keys so that your praise team or choir doesn't wind up sounding like cats. 

[Rshay]

If I listen to a song on a CD, should i play it the same way that it is played on the Cd. I mean in the same key or play it in a differnt key. because my bass player feels that we should play all the songs in the key on the CDs. But i told him that we don't have those type of singer to carry that range so we have to adapt to what we have. Well he feels that I have limited skill that i can only play in the key of B, yes thats my favorite key but i don't play everything in that key. but should we play in the same key on the CD or adapt to a different key of the singers.

In this case, yes that's all you can (have the ability) do.  Arrange it in the key they can master, and no, you do not have to play a song in the same key it orinigallly is in.  But they have to stay in line with their capabilities.  They can't sing something that they don't have capability of singing. 

[musallio]

Yeah, the guys have summed it well for you.

Just make sure that you can play it in any key though because some people can sing some songs in other keys, but not all songs in certain keys
I know where I am now, the main leader likes the key of E but then the others start in any "random" key.

What I like to do is get the basics of any song I learn in at least 4 unrelated keys (if I have time) , then I know I can play it in any other key.

[T-Block]

If I listen to a song on a CD, should i play it the same way that it is played on the Cd. I mean in the same key or play it in a differnt key.

If you're the only one playing the song, then YES, learn it in the original key. There is a reason why people pick certain keys, so don't question their judgement. If u could do it better, u would've recorded it yourself.

However, if you're ministering this song with a choir/praise team/band, use the key that allows yall to do the song justice.

[musallio]

If you're the only one playing the song, then YES, learn it in the original key. There is a reason why people pick certain keys, so don't question their judgement. If u could do it better, u would've recorded it yourself.

However, if you're ministering this song with a choir/praise team/band, use the key that allows yall to do the song justice.

That!! well said.

[sjonathan02]

If you're the only one playing the song, then YES, learn it in the original key. There is a reason why people pick certain keys, so don't question their judgement. If u could do it better, u would've recorded it yourself.

However, if you're ministering this song with a choir/praise team/band, use the key that allows yall to do the song justice.

I kinda disagree. If he's the ONLY one playing it, then as long as it's recognizable, the key doesn't really matter.


Or, am I missing something?

[T-Block]

I kinda disagree. If he's the ONLY one playing it, then as long as it's recognizable, the key doesn't really matter.


Or, am I missing something?

This is from a professional musician standpoint. I personally feel like when u first learn a song, it should be in the original key because that is the key chosen by the artist. Once learned, then u can play it in any key you want. You can disagree if u want, it's all good.

[musallio]

This is from a professional musician standpoint. I personally feel like when u first learn a song, it should be in the original key because that is the key chosen by the artist. Once learned, then u can play it in any key you want. You can disagree if u want, it's all good.

I agree.

I (also) find that since I don't have perfect pitch, I can use a number of recorded songs to help me discover a key someone is singing in.
It's also easier (most of the time) for me to start a song in the key I heard it being sung in on the original recording (that's not to say I can sing it all in that key, but it sound's weird i,n the start, if it's not in the original key).

my 1 cent.

ps:
My sis likes to take sing most songs in Db or Bb, so if I think of her starting certain songs, I know for sure I am singing in Bb or Db.
But hey cats, do it anyhow you want..I like to know the original key & then all the other keys.