Trying to figure out the scale of a piece I am writing
I am writing something and am unsure of how I can work out exactly what key it is in, not that it really matters but I'm interested.
I think I have narrowed it down to C or G minor, as the notes in use are C, D, D♯/E♭, E, F, G, A, A♯/B♭, B. I'm leaning towards the former as I resolve on a C major triad more than once. However, the A♯/B♭ is more dominant in the melody, and I haven't got there yet but I know the left hand will move up through the D♯/E♭.
Any direction of how to work something like this out would be appreciated!
piano scales composition key
|
show 1 more comment
I am writing something and am unsure of how I can work out exactly what key it is in, not that it really matters but I'm interested.
I think I have narrowed it down to C or G minor, as the notes in use are C, D, D♯/E♭, E, F, G, A, A♯/B♭, B. I'm leaning towards the former as I resolve on a C major triad more than once. However, the A♯/B♭ is more dominant in the melody, and I haven't got there yet but I know the left hand will move up through the D♯/E♭.
Any direction of how to work something like this out would be appreciated!
piano scales composition key
1
With the accidentals it's not in one key. But as passing tones you could choose either. It looks like you have a minor third and a flat 7th in C, great for a blues feel, If you are choosing to resolve to C, then you made the key C.
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 12:11
1
With Bb and Eb, it could be in Bb maj. The best clue is to play a chord at a cadence point, and if it feels like it could be a final chord, maj. or min., then that's probably it.
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 12:15
Yes it definitely has a bluesy feel to it. The minor third and flat 7th make a great sound played over C scale chords so that makes sense. Cheers!
– Alex
Dec 21 '18 at 12:16
@ggcg Accidentals don't force a change of key.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 12:52
@LaurencePayne, I did say that or mean to imply that,
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 13:00
|
show 1 more comment
I am writing something and am unsure of how I can work out exactly what key it is in, not that it really matters but I'm interested.
I think I have narrowed it down to C or G minor, as the notes in use are C, D, D♯/E♭, E, F, G, A, A♯/B♭, B. I'm leaning towards the former as I resolve on a C major triad more than once. However, the A♯/B♭ is more dominant in the melody, and I haven't got there yet but I know the left hand will move up through the D♯/E♭.
Any direction of how to work something like this out would be appreciated!
piano scales composition key
I am writing something and am unsure of how I can work out exactly what key it is in, not that it really matters but I'm interested.
I think I have narrowed it down to C or G minor, as the notes in use are C, D, D♯/E♭, E, F, G, A, A♯/B♭, B. I'm leaning towards the former as I resolve on a C major triad more than once. However, the A♯/B♭ is more dominant in the melody, and I haven't got there yet but I know the left hand will move up through the D♯/E♭.
Any direction of how to work something like this out would be appreciated!
piano scales composition key
piano scales composition key
edited Dec 22 '18 at 19:34
Glorfindel
1,24311217
1,24311217
asked Dec 21 '18 at 12:09
Alex
111
111
1
With the accidentals it's not in one key. But as passing tones you could choose either. It looks like you have a minor third and a flat 7th in C, great for a blues feel, If you are choosing to resolve to C, then you made the key C.
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 12:11
1
With Bb and Eb, it could be in Bb maj. The best clue is to play a chord at a cadence point, and if it feels like it could be a final chord, maj. or min., then that's probably it.
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 12:15
Yes it definitely has a bluesy feel to it. The minor third and flat 7th make a great sound played over C scale chords so that makes sense. Cheers!
– Alex
Dec 21 '18 at 12:16
@ggcg Accidentals don't force a change of key.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 12:52
@LaurencePayne, I did say that or mean to imply that,
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 13:00
|
show 1 more comment
1
With the accidentals it's not in one key. But as passing tones you could choose either. It looks like you have a minor third and a flat 7th in C, great for a blues feel, If you are choosing to resolve to C, then you made the key C.
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 12:11
1
With Bb and Eb, it could be in Bb maj. The best clue is to play a chord at a cadence point, and if it feels like it could be a final chord, maj. or min., then that's probably it.
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 12:15
Yes it definitely has a bluesy feel to it. The minor third and flat 7th make a great sound played over C scale chords so that makes sense. Cheers!
– Alex
Dec 21 '18 at 12:16
@ggcg Accidentals don't force a change of key.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 12:52
@LaurencePayne, I did say that or mean to imply that,
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 13:00
1
1
With the accidentals it's not in one key. But as passing tones you could choose either. It looks like you have a minor third and a flat 7th in C, great for a blues feel, If you are choosing to resolve to C, then you made the key C.
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 12:11
With the accidentals it's not in one key. But as passing tones you could choose either. It looks like you have a minor third and a flat 7th in C, great for a blues feel, If you are choosing to resolve to C, then you made the key C.
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 12:11
1
1
With Bb and Eb, it could be in Bb maj. The best clue is to play a chord at a cadence point, and if it feels like it could be a final chord, maj. or min., then that's probably it.
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 12:15
With Bb and Eb, it could be in Bb maj. The best clue is to play a chord at a cadence point, and if it feels like it could be a final chord, maj. or min., then that's probably it.
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 12:15
Yes it definitely has a bluesy feel to it. The minor third and flat 7th make a great sound played over C scale chords so that makes sense. Cheers!
– Alex
Dec 21 '18 at 12:16
Yes it definitely has a bluesy feel to it. The minor third and flat 7th make a great sound played over C scale chords so that makes sense. Cheers!
– Alex
Dec 21 '18 at 12:16
@ggcg Accidentals don't force a change of key.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 12:52
@ggcg Accidentals don't force a change of key.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 12:52
@LaurencePayne, I did say that or mean to imply that,
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 13:00
@LaurencePayne, I did say that or mean to imply that,
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 13:00
|
show 1 more comment
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
Accidentals don't necessarily take us into a new key. For the second time today I quote a standard textbook, 'Notes outside the scale do not necessarily affect the tonality'. Walter Piston, Harmony.
My immediate response is that you're in C major, with a 'blues' tinge. But I'd have to see the whole piece to give an informed opinion. And, even then, there may be no 'right answer'.
1
I completely agree, we need to see the composition. A list of pitches isn't enough.
– Michael Curtis
Dec 21 '18 at 15:17
1
Honestly, that quote applies to so many quotes on this site.
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:52
add a comment |
There are two little clusters in your 'scale'. Notes a semitone apart. The D/Eb/E could be part of A minor blues. The A/Bb/B could be part of E minor blues. It could be in C (minor blues), using b3 and b7. The best check is to find a cadence point, and play a chord. The one that makes it feel like it could end on that will usually be the key chord of the piece. Or, play a chord before you start, and if the piece goes smoothly from it, there's another clue.
And you're probably looking for the key of your piece. You already know the scale - it's the list of notes you gave. Scale and key are related, but not interchangeable.
1
And real-life songs have an annoying habit of not sticking to ANY set of notes. Except (usually) the 'All of them' set.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 15:45
1
@LaurencePayne - not cognisant of the 'All of them' set...
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 15:52
1
@LaurencePayne - ah, you mean every note in existence!
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 16:18
If you like rhymes, it's the "12-TET set" :) @LaurencePayne
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:53
add a comment |
Given that a piece can easily use all 12 notes in the chromatic scale, the key(s) of that piece would be best determined by which notes are emphasized (the most).
Since you say you resolve on C major triads more than once, I would hazard to guess that your piece may be in C major...
...but if you use C minor chords instead for the rest of the piece, I'll probably say your piece is actually in C minor instead, with Tierce de Picardie chords in the cadences.
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "240"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fmusic.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f77741%2ftrying-to-figure-out-the-scale-of-a-piece-i-am-writing%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Accidentals don't necessarily take us into a new key. For the second time today I quote a standard textbook, 'Notes outside the scale do not necessarily affect the tonality'. Walter Piston, Harmony.
My immediate response is that you're in C major, with a 'blues' tinge. But I'd have to see the whole piece to give an informed opinion. And, even then, there may be no 'right answer'.
1
I completely agree, we need to see the composition. A list of pitches isn't enough.
– Michael Curtis
Dec 21 '18 at 15:17
1
Honestly, that quote applies to so many quotes on this site.
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:52
add a comment |
Accidentals don't necessarily take us into a new key. For the second time today I quote a standard textbook, 'Notes outside the scale do not necessarily affect the tonality'. Walter Piston, Harmony.
My immediate response is that you're in C major, with a 'blues' tinge. But I'd have to see the whole piece to give an informed opinion. And, even then, there may be no 'right answer'.
1
I completely agree, we need to see the composition. A list of pitches isn't enough.
– Michael Curtis
Dec 21 '18 at 15:17
1
Honestly, that quote applies to so many quotes on this site.
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:52
add a comment |
Accidentals don't necessarily take us into a new key. For the second time today I quote a standard textbook, 'Notes outside the scale do not necessarily affect the tonality'. Walter Piston, Harmony.
My immediate response is that you're in C major, with a 'blues' tinge. But I'd have to see the whole piece to give an informed opinion. And, even then, there may be no 'right answer'.
Accidentals don't necessarily take us into a new key. For the second time today I quote a standard textbook, 'Notes outside the scale do not necessarily affect the tonality'. Walter Piston, Harmony.
My immediate response is that you're in C major, with a 'blues' tinge. But I'd have to see the whole piece to give an informed opinion. And, even then, there may be no 'right answer'.
answered Dec 21 '18 at 12:51
Laurence Payne
32k1559
32k1559
1
I completely agree, we need to see the composition. A list of pitches isn't enough.
– Michael Curtis
Dec 21 '18 at 15:17
1
Honestly, that quote applies to so many quotes on this site.
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:52
add a comment |
1
I completely agree, we need to see the composition. A list of pitches isn't enough.
– Michael Curtis
Dec 21 '18 at 15:17
1
Honestly, that quote applies to so many quotes on this site.
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:52
1
1
I completely agree, we need to see the composition. A list of pitches isn't enough.
– Michael Curtis
Dec 21 '18 at 15:17
I completely agree, we need to see the composition. A list of pitches isn't enough.
– Michael Curtis
Dec 21 '18 at 15:17
1
1
Honestly, that quote applies to so many quotes on this site.
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:52
Honestly, that quote applies to so many quotes on this site.
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:52
add a comment |
There are two little clusters in your 'scale'. Notes a semitone apart. The D/Eb/E could be part of A minor blues. The A/Bb/B could be part of E minor blues. It could be in C (minor blues), using b3 and b7. The best check is to find a cadence point, and play a chord. The one that makes it feel like it could end on that will usually be the key chord of the piece. Or, play a chord before you start, and if the piece goes smoothly from it, there's another clue.
And you're probably looking for the key of your piece. You already know the scale - it's the list of notes you gave. Scale and key are related, but not interchangeable.
1
And real-life songs have an annoying habit of not sticking to ANY set of notes. Except (usually) the 'All of them' set.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 15:45
1
@LaurencePayne - not cognisant of the 'All of them' set...
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 15:52
1
@LaurencePayne - ah, you mean every note in existence!
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 16:18
If you like rhymes, it's the "12-TET set" :) @LaurencePayne
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:53
add a comment |
There are two little clusters in your 'scale'. Notes a semitone apart. The D/Eb/E could be part of A minor blues. The A/Bb/B could be part of E minor blues. It could be in C (minor blues), using b3 and b7. The best check is to find a cadence point, and play a chord. The one that makes it feel like it could end on that will usually be the key chord of the piece. Or, play a chord before you start, and if the piece goes smoothly from it, there's another clue.
And you're probably looking for the key of your piece. You already know the scale - it's the list of notes you gave. Scale and key are related, but not interchangeable.
1
And real-life songs have an annoying habit of not sticking to ANY set of notes. Except (usually) the 'All of them' set.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 15:45
1
@LaurencePayne - not cognisant of the 'All of them' set...
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 15:52
1
@LaurencePayne - ah, you mean every note in existence!
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 16:18
If you like rhymes, it's the "12-TET set" :) @LaurencePayne
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:53
add a comment |
There are two little clusters in your 'scale'. Notes a semitone apart. The D/Eb/E could be part of A minor blues. The A/Bb/B could be part of E minor blues. It could be in C (minor blues), using b3 and b7. The best check is to find a cadence point, and play a chord. The one that makes it feel like it could end on that will usually be the key chord of the piece. Or, play a chord before you start, and if the piece goes smoothly from it, there's another clue.
And you're probably looking for the key of your piece. You already know the scale - it's the list of notes you gave. Scale and key are related, but not interchangeable.
There are two little clusters in your 'scale'. Notes a semitone apart. The D/Eb/E could be part of A minor blues. The A/Bb/B could be part of E minor blues. It could be in C (minor blues), using b3 and b7. The best check is to find a cadence point, and play a chord. The one that makes it feel like it could end on that will usually be the key chord of the piece. Or, play a chord before you start, and if the piece goes smoothly from it, there's another clue.
And you're probably looking for the key of your piece. You already know the scale - it's the list of notes you gave. Scale and key are related, but not interchangeable.
answered Dec 21 '18 at 14:18
Tim
96.3k1099246
96.3k1099246
1
And real-life songs have an annoying habit of not sticking to ANY set of notes. Except (usually) the 'All of them' set.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 15:45
1
@LaurencePayne - not cognisant of the 'All of them' set...
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 15:52
1
@LaurencePayne - ah, you mean every note in existence!
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 16:18
If you like rhymes, it's the "12-TET set" :) @LaurencePayne
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:53
add a comment |
1
And real-life songs have an annoying habit of not sticking to ANY set of notes. Except (usually) the 'All of them' set.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 15:45
1
@LaurencePayne - not cognisant of the 'All of them' set...
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 15:52
1
@LaurencePayne - ah, you mean every note in existence!
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 16:18
If you like rhymes, it's the "12-TET set" :) @LaurencePayne
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:53
1
1
And real-life songs have an annoying habit of not sticking to ANY set of notes. Except (usually) the 'All of them' set.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 15:45
And real-life songs have an annoying habit of not sticking to ANY set of notes. Except (usually) the 'All of them' set.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 15:45
1
1
@LaurencePayne - not cognisant of the 'All of them' set...
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 15:52
@LaurencePayne - not cognisant of the 'All of them' set...
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 15:52
1
1
@LaurencePayne - ah, you mean every note in existence!
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 16:18
@LaurencePayne - ah, you mean every note in existence!
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 16:18
If you like rhymes, it's the "12-TET set" :) @LaurencePayne
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:53
If you like rhymes, it's the "12-TET set" :) @LaurencePayne
– user45266
Dec 21 '18 at 17:53
add a comment |
Given that a piece can easily use all 12 notes in the chromatic scale, the key(s) of that piece would be best determined by which notes are emphasized (the most).
Since you say you resolve on C major triads more than once, I would hazard to guess that your piece may be in C major...
...but if you use C minor chords instead for the rest of the piece, I'll probably say your piece is actually in C minor instead, with Tierce de Picardie chords in the cadences.
add a comment |
Given that a piece can easily use all 12 notes in the chromatic scale, the key(s) of that piece would be best determined by which notes are emphasized (the most).
Since you say you resolve on C major triads more than once, I would hazard to guess that your piece may be in C major...
...but if you use C minor chords instead for the rest of the piece, I'll probably say your piece is actually in C minor instead, with Tierce de Picardie chords in the cadences.
add a comment |
Given that a piece can easily use all 12 notes in the chromatic scale, the key(s) of that piece would be best determined by which notes are emphasized (the most).
Since you say you resolve on C major triads more than once, I would hazard to guess that your piece may be in C major...
...but if you use C minor chords instead for the rest of the piece, I'll probably say your piece is actually in C minor instead, with Tierce de Picardie chords in the cadences.
Given that a piece can easily use all 12 notes in the chromatic scale, the key(s) of that piece would be best determined by which notes are emphasized (the most).
Since you say you resolve on C major triads more than once, I would hazard to guess that your piece may be in C major...
...but if you use C minor chords instead for the rest of the piece, I'll probably say your piece is actually in C minor instead, with Tierce de Picardie chords in the cadences.
answered Dec 21 '18 at 16:54
Dekkadeci
4,62621219
4,62621219
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Some of your past answers have not been well-received, and you're in danger of being blocked from answering.
Please pay close attention to the following guidance:
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fmusic.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f77741%2ftrying-to-figure-out-the-scale-of-a-piece-i-am-writing%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
1
With the accidentals it's not in one key. But as passing tones you could choose either. It looks like you have a minor third and a flat 7th in C, great for a blues feel, If you are choosing to resolve to C, then you made the key C.
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 12:11
1
With Bb and Eb, it could be in Bb maj. The best clue is to play a chord at a cadence point, and if it feels like it could be a final chord, maj. or min., then that's probably it.
– Tim
Dec 21 '18 at 12:15
Yes it definitely has a bluesy feel to it. The minor third and flat 7th make a great sound played over C scale chords so that makes sense. Cheers!
– Alex
Dec 21 '18 at 12:16
@ggcg Accidentals don't force a change of key.
– Laurence Payne
Dec 21 '18 at 12:52
@LaurencePayne, I did say that or mean to imply that,
– ggcg
Dec 21 '18 at 13:00