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In a folk jam session, when asked which key my non-transposing chromatic instrument (like a violin) is in, what do I answer?
What characterizes American folk music?Which tone names should I learn on a transposing instrument like a saxophone?Why do instruments have a key?What is a “tone”?Limitations of String InstrumentsDo musicians who never learned to read music but play a transposing instrument learn the standard fingering names?I find composing for transposing instruments hardWhy does American traditional music (e.g. old-time fiddle, folk, bluegrass, etc.) exclude drumming?The variety of all transposing instruments
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I know of transposing instruments. A transposing instrument is one where the player reads a C, plays a C, and what sounds is the name of the key of the instrument. Those instruments are often referred to with the key in their name, for example Bb trumpet, Bb clarinet, Horn in F, Eb alto saxophone, Bb tenor saxophone. Pieces for these instruments are often transposed.
I know of non-transposing instruments. A non-transposing instrument is something like a piano -- when you read a A on the staff, you play a A and it sounds a concert pitch A (440 Hz). Most string instruments (like violin, viola, cello) fall into this category.
I know of some folk/ethnic instruments, who are restricted to a diatonic scale, and therefore to a particular key. So these instruments really are "in a key"
I play nyckelharpa, which is a string instrument, and for all intents and purposes of my question, could be considered a violin (a distant relative). When I read a C, I play a C, and it sounds like a C. So that makes it a non-transposing instrument, right? It is also a chromatic instrument, which means that I can play in all keys (though some keys a bit more easy than others).
A friend plays soprano saxophone. That is a transposing instrument, pitched in the key of Bb (I looked it up). They asked me, for the purpose of jamming together, in which key I play, and I don't know how to answer that question. They know that I play a folk/ethnic instrument, and may have assumed that it is a diatonic instrument.
Question
When in a folk jam session, they ask me in which key my non-transposing chromatic instrument (like violin or nyckelharpa) is in, what do I answer?
theory violin key transposition folk
asked Sep 18 at 7:34
Amedee Van GasseAmedee Van Gasse
3092 silver badges8 bronze badges
add a comment
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I know of transposing instruments. A transposing instrument is one where the player reads a C, plays a C, and what sounds is the name of the key of the instrument. Those instruments are often referred to with the key in their name, for example Bb trumpet, Bb clarinet, Horn in F, Eb alto saxophone, Bb tenor saxophone. Pieces for these instruments are often transposed.
I know of non-transposing instruments. A non-transposing instrument is something like a piano -- when you read a A on the staff, you play a A and it sounds a concert pitch A (440 Hz). Most string instruments (like violin, viola, cello) fall into this category.
I know of some folk/ethnic instruments, who are restricted to a diatonic scale, and therefore to a particular key. So these instruments really are "in a key"
I play nyckelharpa, which is a string instrument, and for all intents and purposes of my question, could be considered a violin (a distant relative). When I read a C, I play a C, and it sounds like a C. So that makes it a non-transposing instrument, right? It is also a chromatic instrument, which means that I can play in all keys (though some keys a bit more easy than others).
A friend plays soprano saxophone. That is a transposing instrument, pitched in the key of Bb (I looked it up). They asked me, for the purpose of jamming together, in which key I play, and I don't know how to answer that question. They know that I play a folk/ethnic instrument, and may have assumed that it is a diatonic instrument.
Question
When in a folk jam session, they ask me in which key my non-transposing chromatic instrument (like violin or nyckelharpa) is in, what do I answer?
theory violin key transposition folk
asked Sep 18 at 7:34
Amedee Van GasseAmedee Van Gasse
3092 silver badges8 bronze badges
10
I think you're getting distracted by technicalities - what your friend wants to know is simply what key you want to jam in. Regardless of transposing or non-transposing instrument, if you start jamming on a D-Minor scale your friend wants to know so they can also play along in D-Minor. You could also easily jam in G-Major and your friend will need to know this so they can also follow along in G-Major.
– J...
Sep 18 at 16:54
Just googled this instrument and it looks like something straight out of Midsommar...freaky! Here goes my afternoon listening to how they sound.
– ribs2spare
Sep 19 at 14:38
Answer: "All of them!"
– Jim L.
Sep 19 at 19:02
1
They should really be aware that the question is a non-question as far as your instrument is concerned. Were it, say, a harmonica, it would be a valid question.
– Tim
Sep 20 at 11:39
@Tim hence my confusion about the question. A big thanks to the Music SE community for all the kind replies!
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
add a comment
|
I know of transposing instruments. A transposing instrument is one where the player reads a C, plays a C, and what sounds is the name of the key of the instrument. Those instruments are often referred to with the key in their name, for example Bb trumpet, Bb clarinet, Horn in F, Eb alto saxophone, Bb tenor saxophone. Pieces for these instruments are often transposed.
I know of non-transposing instruments. A non-transposing instrument is something like a piano -- when you read a A on the staff, you play a A and it sounds a concert pitch A (440 Hz). Most string instruments (like violin, viola, cello) fall into this category.
I know of some folk/ethnic instruments, who are restricted to a diatonic scale, and therefore to a particular key. So these instruments really are "in a key"
I play nyckelharpa, which is a string instrument, and for all intents and purposes of my question, could be considered a violin (a distant relative). When I read a C, I play a C, and it sounds like a C. So that makes it a non-transposing instrument, right? It is also a chromatic instrument, which means that I can play in all keys (though some keys a bit more easy than others).
A friend plays soprano saxophone. That is a transposing instrument, pitched in the key of Bb (I looked it up). They asked me, for the purpose of jamming together, in which key I play, and I don't know how to answer that question. They know that I play a folk/ethnic instrument, and may have assumed that it is a diatonic instrument.
Question
When in a folk jam session, they ask me in which key my non-transposing chromatic instrument (like violin or nyckelharpa) is in, what do I answer?
theory violin key transposition folk
asked Sep 18 at 7:34
Amedee Van GasseAmedee Van Gasse
3092 silver badges8 bronze badges
I know of transposing instruments. A transposing instrument is one where the player reads a C, plays a C, and what sounds is the name of the key of the instrument. Those instruments are often referred to with the key in their name, for example Bb trumpet, Bb clarinet, Horn in F, Eb alto saxophone, Bb tenor saxophone. Pieces for these instruments are often transposed.
I know of non-transposing instruments. A non-transposing instrument is something like a piano -- when you read a A on the staff, you play a A and it sounds a concert pitch A (440 Hz). Most string instruments (like violin, viola, cello) fall into this category.
I know of some folk/ethnic instruments, who are restricted to a diatonic scale, and therefore to a particular key. So these instruments really are "in a key"
I play nyckelharpa, which is a string instrument, and for all intents and purposes of my question, could be considered a violin (a distant relative). When I read a C, I play a C, and it sounds like a C. So that makes it a non-transposing instrument, right? It is also a chromatic instrument, which means that I can play in all keys (though some keys a bit more easy than others).
A friend plays soprano saxophone. That is a transposing instrument, pitched in the key of Bb (I looked it up). They asked me, for the purpose of jamming together, in which key I play, and I don't know how to answer that question. They know that I play a folk/ethnic instrument, and may have assumed that it is a diatonic instrument.
Question
When in a folk jam session, they ask me in which key my non-transposing chromatic instrument (like violin or nyckelharpa) is in, what do I answer?
theory violin key transposition folk
theory violin key transposition folk
asked Sep 18 at 7:34
Amedee Van GasseAmedee Van Gasse
3092 silver badges8 bronze badges
asked Sep 18 at 7:34
Amedee Van GasseAmedee Van Gasse
3092 silver badges8 bronze badges
edited Sep 19 at 12:28
Amedee Van Gasse
asked Sep 18 at 7:34
Amedee Van GasseAmedee Van Gasse
3092 silver badges8 bronze badges
asked Sep 18 at 7:34
Amedee Van GasseAmedee Van Gasse
3092 silver badges8 bronze badges
asked Sep 18 at 7:34
Amedee Van GasseAmedee Van Gasse
3092 silver badges8 bronze badges
3092 silver badges8 bronze badges
10
I think you're getting distracted by technicalities - what your friend wants to know is simply what key you want to jam in. Regardless of transposing or non-transposing instrument, if you start jamming on a D-Minor scale your friend wants to know so they can also play along in D-Minor. You could also easily jam in G-Major and your friend will need to know this so they can also follow along in G-Major.
– J...
Sep 18 at 16:54
Just googled this instrument and it looks like something straight out of Midsommar...freaky! Here goes my afternoon listening to how they sound.
– ribs2spare
Sep 19 at 14:38
Answer: "All of them!"
– Jim L.
Sep 19 at 19:02
1
They should really be aware that the question is a non-question as far as your instrument is concerned. Were it, say, a harmonica, it would be a valid question.
– Tim
Sep 20 at 11:39
@Tim hence my confusion about the question. A big thanks to the Music SE community for all the kind replies!
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
add a comment
|
10
I think you're getting distracted by technicalities - what your friend wants to know is simply what key you want to jam in. Regardless of transposing or non-transposing instrument, if you start jamming on a D-Minor scale your friend wants to know so they can also play along in D-Minor. You could also easily jam in G-Major and your friend will need to know this so they can also follow along in G-Major.
– J...
Sep 18 at 16:54
Just googled this instrument and it looks like something straight out of Midsommar...freaky! Here goes my afternoon listening to how they sound.
– ribs2spare
Sep 19 at 14:38
Answer: "All of them!"
– Jim L.
Sep 19 at 19:02
1
They should really be aware that the question is a non-question as far as your instrument is concerned. Were it, say, a harmonica, it would be a valid question.
– Tim
Sep 20 at 11:39
@Tim hence my confusion about the question. A big thanks to the Music SE community for all the kind replies!
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
10
10
I think you're getting distracted by technicalities - what your friend wants to know is simply what key you want to jam in. Regardless of transposing or non-transposing instrument, if you start jamming on a D-Minor scale your friend wants to know so they can also play along in D-Minor. You could also easily jam in G-Major and your friend will need to know this so they can also follow along in G-Major.
– J...
Sep 18 at 16:54
I think you're getting distracted by technicalities - what your friend wants to know is simply what key you want to jam in. Regardless of transposing or non-transposing instrument, if you start jamming on a D-Minor scale your friend wants to know so they can also play along in D-Minor. You could also easily jam in G-Major and your friend will need to know this so they can also follow along in G-Major.
– J...
Sep 18 at 16:54
Just googled this instrument and it looks like something straight out of Midsommar...freaky! Here goes my afternoon listening to how they sound.
– ribs2spare
Sep 19 at 14:38
Just googled this instrument and it looks like something straight out of Midsommar...freaky! Here goes my afternoon listening to how they sound.
– ribs2spare
Sep 19 at 14:38
Answer: "All of them!"
– Jim L.
Sep 19 at 19:02
Answer: "All of them!"
– Jim L.
Sep 19 at 19:02
1
1
They should really be aware that the question is a non-question as far as your instrument is concerned. Were it, say, a harmonica, it would be a valid question.
– Tim
Sep 20 at 11:39
They should really be aware that the question is a non-question as far as your instrument is concerned. Were it, say, a harmonica, it would be a valid question.
– Tim
Sep 20 at 11:39
@Tim hence my confusion about the question. A big thanks to the Music SE community for all the kind replies!
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
@Tim hence my confusion about the question. A big thanks to the Music SE community for all the kind replies!
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
add a comment
|
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
If someone is asking about the key of the instrument, I would answer "I play in concert pitch."
If when jamming, someone asks "what key are you in?" I would say, "I am playing in (name a key) concert pitch." Then everyone else will transpose appropriately. In a group with many transposing and non-transposing instruments, a discussion might be needed to find a key that is nice for every player.
answered Sep 18 at 10:33
Heather S.Heather S.
4,8491 gold badge6 silver badges23 bronze badges
3
I think answering that the instrument is “in C” would also work.
– Todd Wilcox
Sep 18 at 12:43
10
"In C" may work, but it could leave confusion as well, if someone was asking for the key one is playing in rather than what key the instrument is in. Plus, some (mainly folk/ethnic) instruments are limited to diatonic scales and can only play in one key, with several versions of the instrument for different (concert) keys. Referring to concert pitch is more accurate in the long run.
– Heather S.
Sep 18 at 14:20
1
Yes, this. I've been in jams with bagpipes and hurdy-gurdys, and indeed these instruments are limited to diatonic scales.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 16:57
1
@AmedeeVanGasse Meaning, technically, the Great Highland bagpipes can't play the Scottish national anthem.
– wizzwizz4
Sep 18 at 19:54
4
@ToddWilcox - what key an instrument is in, and what key a song is played in are two different questions, +1. The confusion is the fault of the ESL querent (no offense intended OP).
– Mazura
Sep 19 at 7:13
add a comment
|
If someone asks you what key you play in, I take it as meaning "name a key". You say what you want, and the others will follow. If you want to jam in F#, you'll tell them "let's play in F#". Each person should know how their transposing or non-transposing instrument behaves and what to do when told to play in F#. If F# is difficult for someone, they can say "F# is difficult for me, can you do F natural instead because that's easier for my Bb transposing soprano megaphone".
To say that your instrument is non-transposing, you can say that it's a C instrument, or "an instrument in C". (According to Wolfgang H. Wikipedia, you can say that https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transposing_instrument)
If you want to know what is the usual way to say "C instrument" in some other language, maybe you should ask about that specifically.
answered Sep 18 at 8:30
piiperipiiperi
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2
I am sorry, I asked the wrong question, and you did your best to answer it. I have edited my question for more clarity. It is also a translation problem, I am not a native English speaker, and on top of that, in my country we don't use C, D, E,... but do, re, me. All very confusing to do double translations.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 8:43
5
“If you want to jam in F♯” – expect some angry stares...
– leftaroundabout
Sep 19 at 15:05
1
@leftaroundabout +1, joined this site just to post. Playing in F# in a folk session is about as antisocial as it's possible to be
– Joe
Sep 20 at 10:09
@Joe the most antisocial thing is when a keyboard played tunes down by 50ct and then proposes to jam in b𝄳 minor. (“What's the problem, your cello doesn't have frets...”) — And of course what's weird and what's common depends on local habits. Actually, F♯ wouldn't be such a far-out key for folk here in Norway – the Hardanger fiddle players tend to tune F♯-B-E-B and play usually in E major or B major.
– leftaroundabout
Sep 20 at 10:22
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If the question is about whether you have a transposing instrument (or not) your answer would be 'I'm in C' or 'I'm concert pitch'. Your soprano sax playing friend would answer 'B♭'. This might occur if someone's handing out sheet music and needs to know whether to give you a transposed copy.
If the question is about what key you prefer to play a song in (or about what key you're already playing it in!) you'd answer 'G', 'D', 'A minor' or whatever it was. You might clarify this even further by saying 'Concert G', reminding them that 'your' key is the actual key. In this situation the soprano sax player might say 'it's in my A, that's concert G'.
And, particularly perhaps as it's an ethnic instrument, the question might really be 'what keys are you comfortable playing in?' If remote keys are an issue, say so.
Is this a real situation or a hypothetical one?
answered Sep 18 at 19:28
Laurence PayneLaurence Payne
47.2k1 gold badge29 silver badges97 bronze badges
This is a real situation. Talking about music with a friend, and they say, hey, we should jam together some time, and then they ask, "what key I'm in", before we even started about actual pieces of music to play together. They might have assumed that, because I play an ethnic/folk instrument, it is a diatonic instrument, and diatonics are indeed limited to one key, or just a few. But my instrument is chromatic, which means that I can play in all keys (although for some keys the finger position takes a bit more practice than others).
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:19
Well, that's another question again - "what keys CAN you play in?"
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 10:22
But that's not what they asked.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
Sometimes questions are not expressed with absolute precision :-) That's why being TOO eager to reject an answer for 'It doesn't answer the question' can be unproductive. Something that many people here could usefully take on board.
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 22:32
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With certainty, you can say that you play in C. This means, as you said, that when you have a C written, you will also hear a C.
A clarinet in A would produce a sounding A when reading/playing a C. A trumpet in B-flat produces a B-flat when reading/playing a C. Thus if you say an instrument plays in 'X', 'X' is the tone produced when he plays his or her C.
answered Sep 19 at 8:46
StefStef
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Most instruments can be played in all keys. In a jam session, the key of a piece is important to know, so everyone is playing in that same key!
When playing a transposing instrument (trumpet, clarinet, sax, etc.) adjustments need to be made. For instance, without dots, if the tune to be played is in do, any clarinettist (in si bemol) will have to pretend the tune is in re.
When playing on a non-transposing instrument (violin, piano), you'll play in the key stated.
If it's a jam session with grilles (charts) or dots, they hopefully will be in the correct key for the instrument. So for your 'violin', you'll read standard key that the piece is in. If the piece is in fa, you play in fa, the music is in fa. But any si bemol trumpet player will actually be playing in sol.
I've hopefully 'translated' the answer to make sense!
answered Sep 18 at 9:40
TimTim
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So if my friend asks "what is the key of your instrument" then my answer is "I play a non-transposing instrument so my key is whatever the piece is in". Would that be an accurate answer?
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 9:45
@AmedeeVanGasse - exactly. Might even reply 'whatever!' Although, if players are busking through a piece, with no charts, it ought to be enough to state what key the piece is in. Transposing players should find that's enough, and make any changes needed. You just say 'what key are we in?'
– Tim
Sep 18 at 9:50
So.... I should say to my friend "what key are you in, and I will play along".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 10:06
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An instrument isn't "in a key", a piece is.
If you are improvising/jamming, you can assume a non-transposing instrument to be in 'C-major', but when playing a piece, you are in the key that the piece is written in (if there is a single flat in the key signature, you are in the key of "F")
I use the key signatures of other instruments' parts to figure out if my sheet is written transposing or non-transposing (i get both, and they aren't always marked as such)
answered Sep 18 at 7:41
ThisIsMeThisIsMe
2123 bronze badges
It is indeed for the purpose of jamming. I will add that to the question.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:45
So the answer to my friend would be: "C-major"? Just to clarify.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:47
One flat could equally mean key Dm, too.
– Tim
Sep 18 at 10:49
3
Some folk/ethnic instruments are diatonic, and can only play in one key (or just a few). So these instruments are indeed "in a key".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:20
1
@AmedeeVanGasse An Irish flute in D is not "in the key of D" even though it strongly prefers that key.
– PiedPiper
Sep 19 at 19:11
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If someone is asking about the key of the instrument, I would answer "I can play in any key", possibly adding "but I'd prefer to jam in [insert favorite key]".
I'd give the same answer even I have play a transposing instrument. In that kind of situation nobody else cares about your transposition. If they say "we'll play this piece in D" and you say "ok, that means I have play in E on my B-flat clarinet", that's just going to confuse things.
It's different if they are handing out parts. Of course you want a transposed part for your B-flat clarinet if they have one, but it's important to also be able to read from parts written in concert pitch if necessary.
answered Sep 19 at 13:00
PiedPiperPiedPiper
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Some Irish fiddlers I've played with tuned up their violins a half step and would describe their instruments as being "in F", no matter what key the song was in, and some hardanger fiddlers I've met play in all sorts of weird tunings that heavily favor a certain key or keys.
So, depending on the type of folk music you're playing, this question could have many answers.
I generally agree with the others that your friends are just asking you to play in a certain key, and it's your job to transpose on the fly.
answered Sep 19 at 15:19
schadjoschadjo
2615 bronze badges
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8 Answers
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8 Answers
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If someone is asking about the key of the instrument, I would answer "I play in concert pitch."
If when jamming, someone asks "what key are you in?" I would say, "I am playing in (name a key) concert pitch." Then everyone else will transpose appropriately. In a group with many transposing and non-transposing instruments, a discussion might be needed to find a key that is nice for every player.
answered Sep 18 at 10:33
Heather S.Heather S.
4,8491 gold badge6 silver badges23 bronze badges
3
I think answering that the instrument is “in C” would also work.
– Todd Wilcox
Sep 18 at 12:43
10
"In C" may work, but it could leave confusion as well, if someone was asking for the key one is playing in rather than what key the instrument is in. Plus, some (mainly folk/ethnic) instruments are limited to diatonic scales and can only play in one key, with several versions of the instrument for different (concert) keys. Referring to concert pitch is more accurate in the long run.
– Heather S.
Sep 18 at 14:20
1
Yes, this. I've been in jams with bagpipes and hurdy-gurdys, and indeed these instruments are limited to diatonic scales.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 16:57
1
@AmedeeVanGasse Meaning, technically, the Great Highland bagpipes can't play the Scottish national anthem.
– wizzwizz4
Sep 18 at 19:54
4
@ToddWilcox - what key an instrument is in, and what key a song is played in are two different questions, +1. The confusion is the fault of the ESL querent (no offense intended OP).
– Mazura
Sep 19 at 7:13
add a comment
|
If someone is asking about the key of the instrument, I would answer "I play in concert pitch."
If when jamming, someone asks "what key are you in?" I would say, "I am playing in (name a key) concert pitch." Then everyone else will transpose appropriately. In a group with many transposing and non-transposing instruments, a discussion might be needed to find a key that is nice for every player.
answered Sep 18 at 10:33
Heather S.Heather S.
4,8491 gold badge6 silver badges23 bronze badges
3
I think answering that the instrument is “in C” would also work.
– Todd Wilcox
Sep 18 at 12:43
10
"In C" may work, but it could leave confusion as well, if someone was asking for the key one is playing in rather than what key the instrument is in. Plus, some (mainly folk/ethnic) instruments are limited to diatonic scales and can only play in one key, with several versions of the instrument for different (concert) keys. Referring to concert pitch is more accurate in the long run.
– Heather S.
Sep 18 at 14:20
1
Yes, this. I've been in jams with bagpipes and hurdy-gurdys, and indeed these instruments are limited to diatonic scales.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 16:57
1
@AmedeeVanGasse Meaning, technically, the Great Highland bagpipes can't play the Scottish national anthem.
– wizzwizz4
Sep 18 at 19:54
4
@ToddWilcox - what key an instrument is in, and what key a song is played in are two different questions, +1. The confusion is the fault of the ESL querent (no offense intended OP).
– Mazura
Sep 19 at 7:13
add a comment
|
If someone is asking about the key of the instrument, I would answer "I play in concert pitch."
If when jamming, someone asks "what key are you in?" I would say, "I am playing in (name a key) concert pitch." Then everyone else will transpose appropriately. In a group with many transposing and non-transposing instruments, a discussion might be needed to find a key that is nice for every player.
answered Sep 18 at 10:33
Heather S.Heather S.
4,8491 gold badge6 silver badges23 bronze badges
If someone is asking about the key of the instrument, I would answer "I play in concert pitch."
If when jamming, someone asks "what key are you in?" I would say, "I am playing in (name a key) concert pitch." Then everyone else will transpose appropriately. In a group with many transposing and non-transposing instruments, a discussion might be needed to find a key that is nice for every player.
answered Sep 18 at 10:33
Heather S.Heather S.
4,8491 gold badge6 silver badges23 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 10:33
Heather S.Heather S.
4,8491 gold badge6 silver badges23 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 10:33
Heather S.Heather S.
4,8491 gold badge6 silver badges23 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 10:33
Heather S.Heather S.
4,8491 gold badge6 silver badges23 bronze badges
4,8491 gold badge6 silver badges23 bronze badges
3
I think answering that the instrument is “in C” would also work.
– Todd Wilcox
Sep 18 at 12:43
10
"In C" may work, but it could leave confusion as well, if someone was asking for the key one is playing in rather than what key the instrument is in. Plus, some (mainly folk/ethnic) instruments are limited to diatonic scales and can only play in one key, with several versions of the instrument for different (concert) keys. Referring to concert pitch is more accurate in the long run.
– Heather S.
Sep 18 at 14:20
1
Yes, this. I've been in jams with bagpipes and hurdy-gurdys, and indeed these instruments are limited to diatonic scales.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 16:57
1
@AmedeeVanGasse Meaning, technically, the Great Highland bagpipes can't play the Scottish national anthem.
– wizzwizz4
Sep 18 at 19:54
4
@ToddWilcox - what key an instrument is in, and what key a song is played in are two different questions, +1. The confusion is the fault of the ESL querent (no offense intended OP).
– Mazura
Sep 19 at 7:13
add a comment
|
3
I think answering that the instrument is “in C” would also work.
– Todd Wilcox
Sep 18 at 12:43
10
"In C" may work, but it could leave confusion as well, if someone was asking for the key one is playing in rather than what key the instrument is in. Plus, some (mainly folk/ethnic) instruments are limited to diatonic scales and can only play in one key, with several versions of the instrument for different (concert) keys. Referring to concert pitch is more accurate in the long run.
– Heather S.
Sep 18 at 14:20
1
Yes, this. I've been in jams with bagpipes and hurdy-gurdys, and indeed these instruments are limited to diatonic scales.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 16:57
1
@AmedeeVanGasse Meaning, technically, the Great Highland bagpipes can't play the Scottish national anthem.
– wizzwizz4
Sep 18 at 19:54
4
@ToddWilcox - what key an instrument is in, and what key a song is played in are two different questions, +1. The confusion is the fault of the ESL querent (no offense intended OP).
– Mazura
Sep 19 at 7:13
3
3
I think answering that the instrument is “in C” would also work.
– Todd Wilcox
Sep 18 at 12:43
I think answering that the instrument is “in C” would also work.
– Todd Wilcox
Sep 18 at 12:43
10
10
"In C" may work, but it could leave confusion as well, if someone was asking for the key one is playing in rather than what key the instrument is in. Plus, some (mainly folk/ethnic) instruments are limited to diatonic scales and can only play in one key, with several versions of the instrument for different (concert) keys. Referring to concert pitch is more accurate in the long run.
– Heather S.
Sep 18 at 14:20
"In C" may work, but it could leave confusion as well, if someone was asking for the key one is playing in rather than what key the instrument is in. Plus, some (mainly folk/ethnic) instruments are limited to diatonic scales and can only play in one key, with several versions of the instrument for different (concert) keys. Referring to concert pitch is more accurate in the long run.
– Heather S.
Sep 18 at 14:20
1
1
Yes, this. I've been in jams with bagpipes and hurdy-gurdys, and indeed these instruments are limited to diatonic scales.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 16:57
Yes, this. I've been in jams with bagpipes and hurdy-gurdys, and indeed these instruments are limited to diatonic scales.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 16:57
1
1
@AmedeeVanGasse Meaning, technically, the Great Highland bagpipes can't play the Scottish national anthem.
– wizzwizz4
Sep 18 at 19:54
@AmedeeVanGasse Meaning, technically, the Great Highland bagpipes can't play the Scottish national anthem.
– wizzwizz4
Sep 18 at 19:54
4
4
@ToddWilcox - what key an instrument is in, and what key a song is played in are two different questions, +1. The confusion is the fault of the ESL querent (no offense intended OP).
– Mazura
Sep 19 at 7:13
@ToddWilcox - what key an instrument is in, and what key a song is played in are two different questions, +1. The confusion is the fault of the ESL querent (no offense intended OP).
– Mazura
Sep 19 at 7:13
add a comment
|
If someone asks you what key you play in, I take it as meaning "name a key". You say what you want, and the others will follow. If you want to jam in F#, you'll tell them "let's play in F#". Each person should know how their transposing or non-transposing instrument behaves and what to do when told to play in F#. If F# is difficult for someone, they can say "F# is difficult for me, can you do F natural instead because that's easier for my Bb transposing soprano megaphone".
To say that your instrument is non-transposing, you can say that it's a C instrument, or "an instrument in C". (According to Wolfgang H. Wikipedia, you can say that https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transposing_instrument)
If you want to know what is the usual way to say "C instrument" in some other language, maybe you should ask about that specifically.
answered Sep 18 at 8:30
piiperipiiperi
7,6401 gold badge10 silver badges29 bronze badges
2
I am sorry, I asked the wrong question, and you did your best to answer it. I have edited my question for more clarity. It is also a translation problem, I am not a native English speaker, and on top of that, in my country we don't use C, D, E,... but do, re, me. All very confusing to do double translations.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 8:43
5
“If you want to jam in F♯” – expect some angry stares...
– leftaroundabout
Sep 19 at 15:05
1
@leftaroundabout +1, joined this site just to post. Playing in F# in a folk session is about as antisocial as it's possible to be
– Joe
Sep 20 at 10:09
@Joe the most antisocial thing is when a keyboard played tunes down by 50ct and then proposes to jam in b𝄳 minor. (“What's the problem, your cello doesn't have frets...”) — And of course what's weird and what's common depends on local habits. Actually, F♯ wouldn't be such a far-out key for folk here in Norway – the Hardanger fiddle players tend to tune F♯-B-E-B and play usually in E major or B major.
– leftaroundabout
Sep 20 at 10:22
add a comment
|
If someone asks you what key you play in, I take it as meaning "name a key". You say what you want, and the others will follow. If you want to jam in F#, you'll tell them "let's play in F#". Each person should know how their transposing or non-transposing instrument behaves and what to do when told to play in F#. If F# is difficult for someone, they can say "F# is difficult for me, can you do F natural instead because that's easier for my Bb transposing soprano megaphone".
To say that your instrument is non-transposing, you can say that it's a C instrument, or "an instrument in C". (According to Wolfgang H. Wikipedia, you can say that https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transposing_instrument)
If you want to know what is the usual way to say "C instrument" in some other language, maybe you should ask about that specifically.
answered Sep 18 at 8:30
piiperipiiperi
7,6401 gold badge10 silver badges29 bronze badges
2
I am sorry, I asked the wrong question, and you did your best to answer it. I have edited my question for more clarity. It is also a translation problem, I am not a native English speaker, and on top of that, in my country we don't use C, D, E,... but do, re, me. All very confusing to do double translations.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 8:43
5
“If you want to jam in F♯” – expect some angry stares...
– leftaroundabout
Sep 19 at 15:05
1
@leftaroundabout +1, joined this site just to post. Playing in F# in a folk session is about as antisocial as it's possible to be
– Joe
Sep 20 at 10:09
@Joe the most antisocial thing is when a keyboard played tunes down by 50ct and then proposes to jam in b𝄳 minor. (“What's the problem, your cello doesn't have frets...”) — And of course what's weird and what's common depends on local habits. Actually, F♯ wouldn't be such a far-out key for folk here in Norway – the Hardanger fiddle players tend to tune F♯-B-E-B and play usually in E major or B major.
– leftaroundabout
Sep 20 at 10:22
add a comment
|
If someone asks you what key you play in, I take it as meaning "name a key". You say what you want, and the others will follow. If you want to jam in F#, you'll tell them "let's play in F#". Each person should know how their transposing or non-transposing instrument behaves and what to do when told to play in F#. If F# is difficult for someone, they can say "F# is difficult for me, can you do F natural instead because that's easier for my Bb transposing soprano megaphone".
To say that your instrument is non-transposing, you can say that it's a C instrument, or "an instrument in C". (According to Wolfgang H. Wikipedia, you can say that https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transposing_instrument)
If you want to know what is the usual way to say "C instrument" in some other language, maybe you should ask about that specifically.
answered Sep 18 at 8:30
piiperipiiperi
7,6401 gold badge10 silver badges29 bronze badges
If someone asks you what key you play in, I take it as meaning "name a key". You say what you want, and the others will follow. If you want to jam in F#, you'll tell them "let's play in F#". Each person should know how their transposing or non-transposing instrument behaves and what to do when told to play in F#. If F# is difficult for someone, they can say "F# is difficult for me, can you do F natural instead because that's easier for my Bb transposing soprano megaphone".
To say that your instrument is non-transposing, you can say that it's a C instrument, or "an instrument in C". (According to Wolfgang H. Wikipedia, you can say that https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transposing_instrument)
If you want to know what is the usual way to say "C instrument" in some other language, maybe you should ask about that specifically.
answered Sep 18 at 8:30
piiperipiiperi
7,6401 gold badge10 silver badges29 bronze badges
edited Sep 18 at 9:32
answered Sep 18 at 8:30
piiperipiiperi
7,6401 gold badge10 silver badges29 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 8:30
piiperipiiperi
7,6401 gold badge10 silver badges29 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 8:30
piiperipiiperi
7,6401 gold badge10 silver badges29 bronze badges
7,6401 gold badge10 silver badges29 bronze badges
2
I am sorry, I asked the wrong question, and you did your best to answer it. I have edited my question for more clarity. It is also a translation problem, I am not a native English speaker, and on top of that, in my country we don't use C, D, E,... but do, re, me. All very confusing to do double translations.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 8:43
5
“If you want to jam in F♯” – expect some angry stares...
– leftaroundabout
Sep 19 at 15:05
1
@leftaroundabout +1, joined this site just to post. Playing in F# in a folk session is about as antisocial as it's possible to be
– Joe
Sep 20 at 10:09
@Joe the most antisocial thing is when a keyboard played tunes down by 50ct and then proposes to jam in b𝄳 minor. (“What's the problem, your cello doesn't have frets...”) — And of course what's weird and what's common depends on local habits. Actually, F♯ wouldn't be such a far-out key for folk here in Norway – the Hardanger fiddle players tend to tune F♯-B-E-B and play usually in E major or B major.
– leftaroundabout
Sep 20 at 10:22
add a comment
|
2
I am sorry, I asked the wrong question, and you did your best to answer it. I have edited my question for more clarity. It is also a translation problem, I am not a native English speaker, and on top of that, in my country we don't use C, D, E,... but do, re, me. All very confusing to do double translations.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 8:43
5
“If you want to jam in F♯” – expect some angry stares...
– leftaroundabout
Sep 19 at 15:05
1
@leftaroundabout +1, joined this site just to post. Playing in F# in a folk session is about as antisocial as it's possible to be
– Joe
Sep 20 at 10:09
@Joe the most antisocial thing is when a keyboard played tunes down by 50ct and then proposes to jam in b𝄳 minor. (“What's the problem, your cello doesn't have frets...”) — And of course what's weird and what's common depends on local habits. Actually, F♯ wouldn't be such a far-out key for folk here in Norway – the Hardanger fiddle players tend to tune F♯-B-E-B and play usually in E major or B major.
– leftaroundabout
Sep 20 at 10:22
2
2
I am sorry, I asked the wrong question, and you did your best to answer it. I have edited my question for more clarity. It is also a translation problem, I am not a native English speaker, and on top of that, in my country we don't use C, D, E,... but do, re, me. All very confusing to do double translations.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 8:43
I am sorry, I asked the wrong question, and you did your best to answer it. I have edited my question for more clarity. It is also a translation problem, I am not a native English speaker, and on top of that, in my country we don't use C, D, E,... but do, re, me. All very confusing to do double translations.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 8:43
5
5
“If you want to jam in F♯” – expect some angry stares...
– leftaroundabout
Sep 19 at 15:05
“If you want to jam in F♯” – expect some angry stares...
– leftaroundabout
Sep 19 at 15:05
1
1
@leftaroundabout +1, joined this site just to post. Playing in F# in a folk session is about as antisocial as it's possible to be
– Joe
Sep 20 at 10:09
@leftaroundabout +1, joined this site just to post. Playing in F# in a folk session is about as antisocial as it's possible to be
– Joe
Sep 20 at 10:09
@Joe the most antisocial thing is when a keyboard played tunes down by 50ct and then proposes to jam in b𝄳 minor. (“What's the problem, your cello doesn't have frets...”) — And of course what's weird and what's common depends on local habits. Actually, F♯ wouldn't be such a far-out key for folk here in Norway – the Hardanger fiddle players tend to tune F♯-B-E-B and play usually in E major or B major.
– leftaroundabout
Sep 20 at 10:22
@Joe the most antisocial thing is when a keyboard played tunes down by 50ct and then proposes to jam in b𝄳 minor. (“What's the problem, your cello doesn't have frets...”) — And of course what's weird and what's common depends on local habits. Actually, F♯ wouldn't be such a far-out key for folk here in Norway – the Hardanger fiddle players tend to tune F♯-B-E-B and play usually in E major or B major.
– leftaroundabout
Sep 20 at 10:22
add a comment
|
If the question is about whether you have a transposing instrument (or not) your answer would be 'I'm in C' or 'I'm concert pitch'. Your soprano sax playing friend would answer 'B♭'. This might occur if someone's handing out sheet music and needs to know whether to give you a transposed copy.
If the question is about what key you prefer to play a song in (or about what key you're already playing it in!) you'd answer 'G', 'D', 'A minor' or whatever it was. You might clarify this even further by saying 'Concert G', reminding them that 'your' key is the actual key. In this situation the soprano sax player might say 'it's in my A, that's concert G'.
And, particularly perhaps as it's an ethnic instrument, the question might really be 'what keys are you comfortable playing in?' If remote keys are an issue, say so.
Is this a real situation or a hypothetical one?
answered Sep 18 at 19:28
Laurence PayneLaurence Payne
47.2k1 gold badge29 silver badges97 bronze badges
This is a real situation. Talking about music with a friend, and they say, hey, we should jam together some time, and then they ask, "what key I'm in", before we even started about actual pieces of music to play together. They might have assumed that, because I play an ethnic/folk instrument, it is a diatonic instrument, and diatonics are indeed limited to one key, or just a few. But my instrument is chromatic, which means that I can play in all keys (although for some keys the finger position takes a bit more practice than others).
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:19
Well, that's another question again - "what keys CAN you play in?"
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 10:22
But that's not what they asked.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
Sometimes questions are not expressed with absolute precision :-) That's why being TOO eager to reject an answer for 'It doesn't answer the question' can be unproductive. Something that many people here could usefully take on board.
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 22:32
add a comment
|
If the question is about whether you have a transposing instrument (or not) your answer would be 'I'm in C' or 'I'm concert pitch'. Your soprano sax playing friend would answer 'B♭'. This might occur if someone's handing out sheet music and needs to know whether to give you a transposed copy.
If the question is about what key you prefer to play a song in (or about what key you're already playing it in!) you'd answer 'G', 'D', 'A minor' or whatever it was. You might clarify this even further by saying 'Concert G', reminding them that 'your' key is the actual key. In this situation the soprano sax player might say 'it's in my A, that's concert G'.
And, particularly perhaps as it's an ethnic instrument, the question might really be 'what keys are you comfortable playing in?' If remote keys are an issue, say so.
Is this a real situation or a hypothetical one?
answered Sep 18 at 19:28
Laurence PayneLaurence Payne
47.2k1 gold badge29 silver badges97 bronze badges
This is a real situation. Talking about music with a friend, and they say, hey, we should jam together some time, and then they ask, "what key I'm in", before we even started about actual pieces of music to play together. They might have assumed that, because I play an ethnic/folk instrument, it is a diatonic instrument, and diatonics are indeed limited to one key, or just a few. But my instrument is chromatic, which means that I can play in all keys (although for some keys the finger position takes a bit more practice than others).
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:19
Well, that's another question again - "what keys CAN you play in?"
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 10:22
But that's not what they asked.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
Sometimes questions are not expressed with absolute precision :-) That's why being TOO eager to reject an answer for 'It doesn't answer the question' can be unproductive. Something that many people here could usefully take on board.
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 22:32
add a comment
|
If the question is about whether you have a transposing instrument (or not) your answer would be 'I'm in C' or 'I'm concert pitch'. Your soprano sax playing friend would answer 'B♭'. This might occur if someone's handing out sheet music and needs to know whether to give you a transposed copy.
If the question is about what key you prefer to play a song in (or about what key you're already playing it in!) you'd answer 'G', 'D', 'A minor' or whatever it was. You might clarify this even further by saying 'Concert G', reminding them that 'your' key is the actual key. In this situation the soprano sax player might say 'it's in my A, that's concert G'.
And, particularly perhaps as it's an ethnic instrument, the question might really be 'what keys are you comfortable playing in?' If remote keys are an issue, say so.
Is this a real situation or a hypothetical one?
answered Sep 18 at 19:28
Laurence PayneLaurence Payne
47.2k1 gold badge29 silver badges97 bronze badges
If the question is about whether you have a transposing instrument (or not) your answer would be 'I'm in C' or 'I'm concert pitch'. Your soprano sax playing friend would answer 'B♭'. This might occur if someone's handing out sheet music and needs to know whether to give you a transposed copy.
If the question is about what key you prefer to play a song in (or about what key you're already playing it in!) you'd answer 'G', 'D', 'A minor' or whatever it was. You might clarify this even further by saying 'Concert G', reminding them that 'your' key is the actual key. In this situation the soprano sax player might say 'it's in my A, that's concert G'.
And, particularly perhaps as it's an ethnic instrument, the question might really be 'what keys are you comfortable playing in?' If remote keys are an issue, say so.
Is this a real situation or a hypothetical one?
answered Sep 18 at 19:28
Laurence PayneLaurence Payne
47.2k1 gold badge29 silver badges97 bronze badges
edited Sep 20 at 10:25
answered Sep 18 at 19:28
Laurence PayneLaurence Payne
47.2k1 gold badge29 silver badges97 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 19:28
Laurence PayneLaurence Payne
47.2k1 gold badge29 silver badges97 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 19:28
Laurence PayneLaurence Payne
47.2k1 gold badge29 silver badges97 bronze badges
47.2k1 gold badge29 silver badges97 bronze badges
This is a real situation. Talking about music with a friend, and they say, hey, we should jam together some time, and then they ask, "what key I'm in", before we even started about actual pieces of music to play together. They might have assumed that, because I play an ethnic/folk instrument, it is a diatonic instrument, and diatonics are indeed limited to one key, or just a few. But my instrument is chromatic, which means that I can play in all keys (although for some keys the finger position takes a bit more practice than others).
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:19
Well, that's another question again - "what keys CAN you play in?"
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 10:22
But that's not what they asked.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
Sometimes questions are not expressed with absolute precision :-) That's why being TOO eager to reject an answer for 'It doesn't answer the question' can be unproductive. Something that many people here could usefully take on board.
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 22:32
add a comment
|
This is a real situation. Talking about music with a friend, and they say, hey, we should jam together some time, and then they ask, "what key I'm in", before we even started about actual pieces of music to play together. They might have assumed that, because I play an ethnic/folk instrument, it is a diatonic instrument, and diatonics are indeed limited to one key, or just a few. But my instrument is chromatic, which means that I can play in all keys (although for some keys the finger position takes a bit more practice than others).
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:19
Well, that's another question again - "what keys CAN you play in?"
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 10:22
But that's not what they asked.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
Sometimes questions are not expressed with absolute precision :-) That's why being TOO eager to reject an answer for 'It doesn't answer the question' can be unproductive. Something that many people here could usefully take on board.
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 22:32
This is a real situation. Talking about music with a friend, and they say, hey, we should jam together some time, and then they ask, "what key I'm in", before we even started about actual pieces of music to play together. They might have assumed that, because I play an ethnic/folk instrument, it is a diatonic instrument, and diatonics are indeed limited to one key, or just a few. But my instrument is chromatic, which means that I can play in all keys (although for some keys the finger position takes a bit more practice than others).
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:19
This is a real situation. Talking about music with a friend, and they say, hey, we should jam together some time, and then they ask, "what key I'm in", before we even started about actual pieces of music to play together. They might have assumed that, because I play an ethnic/folk instrument, it is a diatonic instrument, and diatonics are indeed limited to one key, or just a few. But my instrument is chromatic, which means that I can play in all keys (although for some keys the finger position takes a bit more practice than others).
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:19
Well, that's another question again - "what keys CAN you play in?"
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 10:22
Well, that's another question again - "what keys CAN you play in?"
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 10:22
But that's not what they asked.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
But that's not what they asked.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15
Sometimes questions are not expressed with absolute precision :-) That's why being TOO eager to reject an answer for 'It doesn't answer the question' can be unproductive. Something that many people here could usefully take on board.
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 22:32
Sometimes questions are not expressed with absolute precision :-) That's why being TOO eager to reject an answer for 'It doesn't answer the question' can be unproductive. Something that many people here could usefully take on board.
– Laurence Payne
Sep 20 at 22:32
add a comment
|
With certainty, you can say that you play in C. This means, as you said, that when you have a C written, you will also hear a C.
A clarinet in A would produce a sounding A when reading/playing a C. A trumpet in B-flat produces a B-flat when reading/playing a C. Thus if you say an instrument plays in 'X', 'X' is the tone produced when he plays his or her C.
answered Sep 19 at 8:46
StefStef
2004 bronze badges
add a comment
|
With certainty, you can say that you play in C. This means, as you said, that when you have a C written, you will also hear a C.
A clarinet in A would produce a sounding A when reading/playing a C. A trumpet in B-flat produces a B-flat when reading/playing a C. Thus if you say an instrument plays in 'X', 'X' is the tone produced when he plays his or her C.
answered Sep 19 at 8:46
StefStef
2004 bronze badges
add a comment
|
With certainty, you can say that you play in C. This means, as you said, that when you have a C written, you will also hear a C.
A clarinet in A would produce a sounding A when reading/playing a C. A trumpet in B-flat produces a B-flat when reading/playing a C. Thus if you say an instrument plays in 'X', 'X' is the tone produced when he plays his or her C.
answered Sep 19 at 8:46
StefStef
2004 bronze badges
With certainty, you can say that you play in C. This means, as you said, that when you have a C written, you will also hear a C.
A clarinet in A would produce a sounding A when reading/playing a C. A trumpet in B-flat produces a B-flat when reading/playing a C. Thus if you say an instrument plays in 'X', 'X' is the tone produced when he plays his or her C.
answered Sep 19 at 8:46
StefStef
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answered Sep 19 at 8:46
StefStef
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answered Sep 19 at 8:46
StefStef
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answered Sep 19 at 8:46
StefStef
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Most instruments can be played in all keys. In a jam session, the key of a piece is important to know, so everyone is playing in that same key!
When playing a transposing instrument (trumpet, clarinet, sax, etc.) adjustments need to be made. For instance, without dots, if the tune to be played is in do, any clarinettist (in si bemol) will have to pretend the tune is in re.
When playing on a non-transposing instrument (violin, piano), you'll play in the key stated.
If it's a jam session with grilles (charts) or dots, they hopefully will be in the correct key for the instrument. So for your 'violin', you'll read standard key that the piece is in. If the piece is in fa, you play in fa, the music is in fa. But any si bemol trumpet player will actually be playing in sol.
I've hopefully 'translated' the answer to make sense!
answered Sep 18 at 9:40
TimTim
120k12 gold badges113 silver badges296 bronze badges
So if my friend asks "what is the key of your instrument" then my answer is "I play a non-transposing instrument so my key is whatever the piece is in". Would that be an accurate answer?
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 9:45
@AmedeeVanGasse - exactly. Might even reply 'whatever!' Although, if players are busking through a piece, with no charts, it ought to be enough to state what key the piece is in. Transposing players should find that's enough, and make any changes needed. You just say 'what key are we in?'
– Tim
Sep 18 at 9:50
So.... I should say to my friend "what key are you in, and I will play along".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 10:06
add a comment
|
Most instruments can be played in all keys. In a jam session, the key of a piece is important to know, so everyone is playing in that same key!
When playing a transposing instrument (trumpet, clarinet, sax, etc.) adjustments need to be made. For instance, without dots, if the tune to be played is in do, any clarinettist (in si bemol) will have to pretend the tune is in re.
When playing on a non-transposing instrument (violin, piano), you'll play in the key stated.
If it's a jam session with grilles (charts) or dots, they hopefully will be in the correct key for the instrument. So for your 'violin', you'll read standard key that the piece is in. If the piece is in fa, you play in fa, the music is in fa. But any si bemol trumpet player will actually be playing in sol.
I've hopefully 'translated' the answer to make sense!
answered Sep 18 at 9:40
TimTim
120k12 gold badges113 silver badges296 bronze badges
So if my friend asks "what is the key of your instrument" then my answer is "I play a non-transposing instrument so my key is whatever the piece is in". Would that be an accurate answer?
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 9:45
@AmedeeVanGasse - exactly. Might even reply 'whatever!' Although, if players are busking through a piece, with no charts, it ought to be enough to state what key the piece is in. Transposing players should find that's enough, and make any changes needed. You just say 'what key are we in?'
– Tim
Sep 18 at 9:50
So.... I should say to my friend "what key are you in, and I will play along".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 10:06
add a comment
|
Most instruments can be played in all keys. In a jam session, the key of a piece is important to know, so everyone is playing in that same key!
When playing a transposing instrument (trumpet, clarinet, sax, etc.) adjustments need to be made. For instance, without dots, if the tune to be played is in do, any clarinettist (in si bemol) will have to pretend the tune is in re.
When playing on a non-transposing instrument (violin, piano), you'll play in the key stated.
If it's a jam session with grilles (charts) or dots, they hopefully will be in the correct key for the instrument. So for your 'violin', you'll read standard key that the piece is in. If the piece is in fa, you play in fa, the music is in fa. But any si bemol trumpet player will actually be playing in sol.
I've hopefully 'translated' the answer to make sense!
answered Sep 18 at 9:40
TimTim
120k12 gold badges113 silver badges296 bronze badges
Most instruments can be played in all keys. In a jam session, the key of a piece is important to know, so everyone is playing in that same key!
When playing a transposing instrument (trumpet, clarinet, sax, etc.) adjustments need to be made. For instance, without dots, if the tune to be played is in do, any clarinettist (in si bemol) will have to pretend the tune is in re.
When playing on a non-transposing instrument (violin, piano), you'll play in the key stated.
If it's a jam session with grilles (charts) or dots, they hopefully will be in the correct key for the instrument. So for your 'violin', you'll read standard key that the piece is in. If the piece is in fa, you play in fa, the music is in fa. But any si bemol trumpet player will actually be playing in sol.
I've hopefully 'translated' the answer to make sense!
answered Sep 18 at 9:40
TimTim
120k12 gold badges113 silver badges296 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 9:40
TimTim
120k12 gold badges113 silver badges296 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 9:40
TimTim
120k12 gold badges113 silver badges296 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 9:40
TimTim
120k12 gold badges113 silver badges296 bronze badges
120k12 gold badges113 silver badges296 bronze badges
So if my friend asks "what is the key of your instrument" then my answer is "I play a non-transposing instrument so my key is whatever the piece is in". Would that be an accurate answer?
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 9:45
@AmedeeVanGasse - exactly. Might even reply 'whatever!' Although, if players are busking through a piece, with no charts, it ought to be enough to state what key the piece is in. Transposing players should find that's enough, and make any changes needed. You just say 'what key are we in?'
– Tim
Sep 18 at 9:50
So.... I should say to my friend "what key are you in, and I will play along".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 10:06
add a comment
|
So if my friend asks "what is the key of your instrument" then my answer is "I play a non-transposing instrument so my key is whatever the piece is in". Would that be an accurate answer?
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 9:45
@AmedeeVanGasse - exactly. Might even reply 'whatever!' Although, if players are busking through a piece, with no charts, it ought to be enough to state what key the piece is in. Transposing players should find that's enough, and make any changes needed. You just say 'what key are we in?'
– Tim
Sep 18 at 9:50
So.... I should say to my friend "what key are you in, and I will play along".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 10:06
So if my friend asks "what is the key of your instrument" then my answer is "I play a non-transposing instrument so my key is whatever the piece is in". Would that be an accurate answer?
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 9:45
So if my friend asks "what is the key of your instrument" then my answer is "I play a non-transposing instrument so my key is whatever the piece is in". Would that be an accurate answer?
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 9:45
@AmedeeVanGasse - exactly. Might even reply 'whatever!' Although, if players are busking through a piece, with no charts, it ought to be enough to state what key the piece is in. Transposing players should find that's enough, and make any changes needed. You just say 'what key are we in?'
– Tim
Sep 18 at 9:50
@AmedeeVanGasse - exactly. Might even reply 'whatever!' Although, if players are busking through a piece, with no charts, it ought to be enough to state what key the piece is in. Transposing players should find that's enough, and make any changes needed. You just say 'what key are we in?'
– Tim
Sep 18 at 9:50
So.... I should say to my friend "what key are you in, and I will play along".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 10:06
So.... I should say to my friend "what key are you in, and I will play along".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 10:06
add a comment
|
An instrument isn't "in a key", a piece is.
If you are improvising/jamming, you can assume a non-transposing instrument to be in 'C-major', but when playing a piece, you are in the key that the piece is written in (if there is a single flat in the key signature, you are in the key of "F")
I use the key signatures of other instruments' parts to figure out if my sheet is written transposing or non-transposing (i get both, and they aren't always marked as such)
answered Sep 18 at 7:41
ThisIsMeThisIsMe
2123 bronze badges
It is indeed for the purpose of jamming. I will add that to the question.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:45
So the answer to my friend would be: "C-major"? Just to clarify.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:47
One flat could equally mean key Dm, too.
– Tim
Sep 18 at 10:49
3
Some folk/ethnic instruments are diatonic, and can only play in one key (or just a few). So these instruments are indeed "in a key".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:20
1
@AmedeeVanGasse An Irish flute in D is not "in the key of D" even though it strongly prefers that key.
– PiedPiper
Sep 19 at 19:11
add a comment
|
An instrument isn't "in a key", a piece is.
If you are improvising/jamming, you can assume a non-transposing instrument to be in 'C-major', but when playing a piece, you are in the key that the piece is written in (if there is a single flat in the key signature, you are in the key of "F")
I use the key signatures of other instruments' parts to figure out if my sheet is written transposing or non-transposing (i get both, and they aren't always marked as such)
answered Sep 18 at 7:41
ThisIsMeThisIsMe
2123 bronze badges
It is indeed for the purpose of jamming. I will add that to the question.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:45
So the answer to my friend would be: "C-major"? Just to clarify.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:47
One flat could equally mean key Dm, too.
– Tim
Sep 18 at 10:49
3
Some folk/ethnic instruments are diatonic, and can only play in one key (or just a few). So these instruments are indeed "in a key".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:20
1
@AmedeeVanGasse An Irish flute in D is not "in the key of D" even though it strongly prefers that key.
– PiedPiper
Sep 19 at 19:11
add a comment
|
An instrument isn't "in a key", a piece is.
If you are improvising/jamming, you can assume a non-transposing instrument to be in 'C-major', but when playing a piece, you are in the key that the piece is written in (if there is a single flat in the key signature, you are in the key of "F")
I use the key signatures of other instruments' parts to figure out if my sheet is written transposing or non-transposing (i get both, and they aren't always marked as such)
answered Sep 18 at 7:41
ThisIsMeThisIsMe
2123 bronze badges
An instrument isn't "in a key", a piece is.
If you are improvising/jamming, you can assume a non-transposing instrument to be in 'C-major', but when playing a piece, you are in the key that the piece is written in (if there is a single flat in the key signature, you are in the key of "F")
I use the key signatures of other instruments' parts to figure out if my sheet is written transposing or non-transposing (i get both, and they aren't always marked as such)
answered Sep 18 at 7:41
ThisIsMeThisIsMe
2123 bronze badges
edited Sep 18 at 10:08
answered Sep 18 at 7:41
ThisIsMeThisIsMe
2123 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 7:41
ThisIsMeThisIsMe
2123 bronze badges
answered Sep 18 at 7:41
ThisIsMeThisIsMe
2123 bronze badges
2123 bronze badges
It is indeed for the purpose of jamming. I will add that to the question.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:45
So the answer to my friend would be: "C-major"? Just to clarify.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:47
One flat could equally mean key Dm, too.
– Tim
Sep 18 at 10:49
3
Some folk/ethnic instruments are diatonic, and can only play in one key (or just a few). So these instruments are indeed "in a key".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:20
1
@AmedeeVanGasse An Irish flute in D is not "in the key of D" even though it strongly prefers that key.
– PiedPiper
Sep 19 at 19:11
add a comment
|
It is indeed for the purpose of jamming. I will add that to the question.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:45
So the answer to my friend would be: "C-major"? Just to clarify.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:47
One flat could equally mean key Dm, too.
– Tim
Sep 18 at 10:49
3
Some folk/ethnic instruments are diatonic, and can only play in one key (or just a few). So these instruments are indeed "in a key".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:20
1
@AmedeeVanGasse An Irish flute in D is not "in the key of D" even though it strongly prefers that key.
– PiedPiper
Sep 19 at 19:11
It is indeed for the purpose of jamming. I will add that to the question.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:45
It is indeed for the purpose of jamming. I will add that to the question.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:45
So the answer to my friend would be: "C-major"? Just to clarify.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:47
So the answer to my friend would be: "C-major"? Just to clarify.
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 18 at 7:47
One flat could equally mean key Dm, too.
– Tim
Sep 18 at 10:49
One flat could equally mean key Dm, too.
– Tim
Sep 18 at 10:49
3
3
Some folk/ethnic instruments are diatonic, and can only play in one key (or just a few). So these instruments are indeed "in a key".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:20
Some folk/ethnic instruments are diatonic, and can only play in one key (or just a few). So these instruments are indeed "in a key".
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 19 at 12:20
1
1
@AmedeeVanGasse An Irish flute in D is not "in the key of D" even though it strongly prefers that key.
– PiedPiper
Sep 19 at 19:11
@AmedeeVanGasse An Irish flute in D is not "in the key of D" even though it strongly prefers that key.
– PiedPiper
Sep 19 at 19:11
add a comment
|
If someone is asking about the key of the instrument, I would answer "I can play in any key", possibly adding "but I'd prefer to jam in [insert favorite key]".
I'd give the same answer even I have play a transposing instrument. In that kind of situation nobody else cares about your transposition. If they say "we'll play this piece in D" and you say "ok, that means I have play in E on my B-flat clarinet", that's just going to confuse things.
It's different if they are handing out parts. Of course you want a transposed part for your B-flat clarinet if they have one, but it's important to also be able to read from parts written in concert pitch if necessary.
answered Sep 19 at 13:00
PiedPiperPiedPiper
3,2468 silver badges25 bronze badges
add a comment
|
If someone is asking about the key of the instrument, I would answer "I can play in any key", possibly adding "but I'd prefer to jam in [insert favorite key]".
I'd give the same answer even I have play a transposing instrument. In that kind of situation nobody else cares about your transposition. If they say "we'll play this piece in D" and you say "ok, that means I have play in E on my B-flat clarinet", that's just going to confuse things.
It's different if they are handing out parts. Of course you want a transposed part for your B-flat clarinet if they have one, but it's important to also be able to read from parts written in concert pitch if necessary.
answered Sep 19 at 13:00
PiedPiperPiedPiper
3,2468 silver badges25 bronze badges
add a comment
|
If someone is asking about the key of the instrument, I would answer "I can play in any key", possibly adding "but I'd prefer to jam in [insert favorite key]".
I'd give the same answer even I have play a transposing instrument. In that kind of situation nobody else cares about your transposition. If they say "we'll play this piece in D" and you say "ok, that means I have play in E on my B-flat clarinet", that's just going to confuse things.
It's different if they are handing out parts. Of course you want a transposed part for your B-flat clarinet if they have one, but it's important to also be able to read from parts written in concert pitch if necessary.
answered Sep 19 at 13:00
PiedPiperPiedPiper
3,2468 silver badges25 bronze badges
If someone is asking about the key of the instrument, I would answer "I can play in any key", possibly adding "but I'd prefer to jam in [insert favorite key]".
I'd give the same answer even I have play a transposing instrument. In that kind of situation nobody else cares about your transposition. If they say "we'll play this piece in D" and you say "ok, that means I have play in E on my B-flat clarinet", that's just going to confuse things.
It's different if they are handing out parts. Of course you want a transposed part for your B-flat clarinet if they have one, but it's important to also be able to read from parts written in concert pitch if necessary.
answered Sep 19 at 13:00
PiedPiperPiedPiper
3,2468 silver badges25 bronze badges
edited Sep 19 at 13:09
answered Sep 19 at 13:00
PiedPiperPiedPiper
3,2468 silver badges25 bronze badges
answered Sep 19 at 13:00
PiedPiperPiedPiper
3,2468 silver badges25 bronze badges
answered Sep 19 at 13:00
PiedPiperPiedPiper
3,2468 silver badges25 bronze badges
3,2468 silver badges25 bronze badges
add a comment
|
add a comment
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Some Irish fiddlers I've played with tuned up their violins a half step and would describe their instruments as being "in F", no matter what key the song was in, and some hardanger fiddlers I've met play in all sorts of weird tunings that heavily favor a certain key or keys.
So, depending on the type of folk music you're playing, this question could have many answers.
I generally agree with the others that your friends are just asking you to play in a certain key, and it's your job to transpose on the fly.
answered Sep 19 at 15:19
schadjoschadjo
2615 bronze badges
add a comment
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Some Irish fiddlers I've played with tuned up their violins a half step and would describe their instruments as being "in F", no matter what key the song was in, and some hardanger fiddlers I've met play in all sorts of weird tunings that heavily favor a certain key or keys.
So, depending on the type of folk music you're playing, this question could have many answers.
I generally agree with the others that your friends are just asking you to play in a certain key, and it's your job to transpose on the fly.
answered Sep 19 at 15:19
schadjoschadjo
2615 bronze badges
add a comment
|
Some Irish fiddlers I've played with tuned up their violins a half step and would describe their instruments as being "in F", no matter what key the song was in, and some hardanger fiddlers I've met play in all sorts of weird tunings that heavily favor a certain key or keys.
So, depending on the type of folk music you're playing, this question could have many answers.
I generally agree with the others that your friends are just asking you to play in a certain key, and it's your job to transpose on the fly.
answered Sep 19 at 15:19
schadjoschadjo
2615 bronze badges
Some Irish fiddlers I've played with tuned up their violins a half step and would describe their instruments as being "in F", no matter what key the song was in, and some hardanger fiddlers I've met play in all sorts of weird tunings that heavily favor a certain key or keys.
So, depending on the type of folk music you're playing, this question could have many answers.
I generally agree with the others that your friends are just asking you to play in a certain key, and it's your job to transpose on the fly.
answered Sep 19 at 15:19
schadjoschadjo
2615 bronze badges
answered Sep 19 at 15:19
schadjoschadjo
2615 bronze badges
answered Sep 19 at 15:19
schadjoschadjo
2615 bronze badges
answered Sep 19 at 15:19
schadjoschadjo
2615 bronze badges
2615 bronze badges
add a comment
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add a comment
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I think you're getting distracted by technicalities - what your friend wants to know is simply what key you want to jam in. Regardless of transposing or non-transposing instrument, if you start jamming on a D-Minor scale your friend wants to know so they can also play along in D-Minor. You could also easily jam in G-Major and your friend will need to know this so they can also follow along in G-Major.
– J...
Sep 18 at 16:54
Just googled this instrument and it looks like something straight out of Midsommar...freaky! Here goes my afternoon listening to how they sound.
– ribs2spare
Sep 19 at 14:38
Answer: "All of them!"
– Jim L.
Sep 19 at 19:02
1
They should really be aware that the question is a non-question as far as your instrument is concerned. Were it, say, a harmonica, it would be a valid question.
– Tim
Sep 20 at 11:39
@Tim hence my confusion about the question. A big thanks to the Music SE community for all the kind replies!
– Amedee Van Gasse
Sep 20 at 12:15