New Bass Player Need Help

[soulstar08]

Wuz up Everybody, I just began learning how 2 play the bass not 2 long ago, n Im learning the different Major n Minor Scales, But What I want 2 know is, if Im learning a song off of my ipod for instance, how can I tell what key the song is in?

[ddwilkins]

since you are learning scales already, you will have to train your ears to listen for the root of the scale that the song is in.  This is kind of hard to explain, help me out fellow bass players. 

[MikeGee]

I play a scale while the song is playing, then match it while the best one. I may be 75% accurate.

[cardfandan]

Often (but by no means always!) the first note of the song gives away the key. When that is not the case you just have to listen to the chords to discover when and where the organ or piano or guitar is playing a major or a minor or a diminished chord.

Gospel is so jazz influenced that it can be difficult to determine a key because bassists and pianoists play so many non-chord tones.

[Godsbassman]

Often (but by no means always!) the first note of the song gives away the key. When that is not the case you just have to listen to the chords to discover when and where the organ or piano or guitar is playing a major or a minor or a diminished chord.

Gospel is so jazz influenced that it can be difficult to determine a key because bassists and pianoists play so many non-chord tones.

Let me say this to everyone Danny know his stuff. I have listen and read his post. Joy to have you here Danny.

[cardfandan]

Thanks Godsbassman!