What is a KEY, and WHICH KEY should i sing in?

First, let me clarify something. I’ve had many students ask me “What’s my key?” or “What key do I sing in?”. That’s not really how it works. There isn’t one specific key that you sing in. Rather, a singer has a vocal range (the lowest to the highest note that you can sing) and every song has a range as well (the lowest note in the song to the highest note). When a song is outside of your vocal range, you can change the range of the song to fit within your vocal range by changing the key.

For the singer a key CHANGE is a transition of the starting note of a song to either a lower or higher note. You should change the key around until it sits well in your voice. The key may change for each song! Especially if you are female doing a male song or vice versa.

Of course - if you are aiming for karaoke then there may only be certain keys available, so it’s important to take this into consideration. You should always pick a song that feels comfortable for any live situation.

How to transpose! (Change Key)

This helps you slide the song up or down a few notes to fit it into your range. You could try singing a song in 3 different keys before you make a decision.

You can try singing the song in three similar keys, close in pitch, or challenge yourself and try a lower key or a higher key. Sometimes a song may sound more interesting if it is flipped around. Trying something completely different can give the song a fresh, new element. Have fun with this and explore! Changing key could also add to - making the song your own, helping to give it a different overall feel.

After experimenting with a few different keys, record yourself and listen to how the song sounds..

Tessetura (means comfortable vocal range)

Where does the majority of that song hang out - low, middle or high. Pick the key based on where your voice is strongest.

How to change key if you don’t play an instrument?

There are now various software applications and apps where you can change the key of an MP3. Below are a few suggestions -

Website:

X minus pro - http://x-minus.pro/

Apps:

App - audio stretch - change pitch and tempo - £9.99

App irealpro - £13.99