One of the essential tips for singing and performing well is to know your range. If you choose songs that are too high or low for your voice, chances are you won’t be able to sing well.
To choose the right song for your range, you need to identify the right key. The key is the soul and center note of the entire piece. Then, how to find out what key you sing in? Three basic ways can help you do that include:
- Use the notation to figure out a key.
- Listen and try to figure out the tonic.
- Practice identifying the key.
For more step-by-step details, let’s explore in our article below.
How To Know What Key You Sing In: Step-By-Step Guides
Many people say that the best way to identify critical notes in a song is to test and correct them. However, this method is only suitable for those already proficient in identifying sharp notes and listening to music regularly.
We’ll show you some basic tips for determining key ranges.
Using The Notation To Figure Out A Key
One of the most basic methods of identifying a key is reading the symbol.
Finding The Tonic Note
The timbre in the primary notation refers to a root note on which the rest of the scale is based. Any given set of sharps and flats can correspond to a major or minor tone. So it would help if you defined tonic.
The first note, usually, is always a tonic note.
Another way to detect it is to observe the chords with the composition appearing around them. The sharp note in a familiar chord is the base note.
Spotting The Used Chords
Suitable chords often accompany musical keys. So, another method is to rely on chords.
You can use the chord map as a tool to aid in identifying specific notes with three or more chords.
Referring To The Circle of Fifths
You can also use the Circle of Fifths to identify the keynote in a song.
Counting the number of spaces between notes clockwise from C will help you determine the number of sharps in a tone. The area where you stop is the primary key of the song.
For flats, start from the E below the circle and count counter-clockwise based on your main note’s number of roots.
This way is more suitable for defining the Major Key.
Finding The Final Note
In most melodies, the song’s last note goes back to its root complement. This method is prevalent because it gives us the feeling that the piece is finished.
Use the given sharps and flats to cross-reference the last note and find the matches. If the final note is a chord, find the lowest note in it.
This technique is not suitable for creative or experimental songs.
Listening And Trying To Figure Out The Tonic
There is no better theoretical knowledge than listening and experiencing the song in practice.
#1. Identifying The Mood
The feeling of a piece of music depends significantly on the primary and secondary keys. While the main keys sound happy, the secondary keys are often sad and much lower.
Listening to the melody of a piece of music helps you detect this reasonably quickly. You use that base to assign a tone to an original note.
If a piece of music has a mix of happy and sad emotions, it’s usually the extra key. The primary key will be much purer.
#2. Humming To Find The Note
Humming the melody around the base note also helps you identify the tone easily. Unless the piece’s texture is too complicated and novel, you’ll find a tune that works for every chord in the song.
If you know how to play an instrument, take it out and play it back to the tune you hum. You’ll see where the base note is if it sounds like the melody you’re singing.
Practicing To Identify The Key
The above ways are all the most basic ways to determine the tone of a song. However, it won’t be easy to master it if you don’t practice it regularly.
Some of the training methods we would like to recommend include:
- Practice finding keys in popular songs
Classics or popular songs are a great starting point for acquiring musical knowledge. Choose classical songs because their notation is more accessible to decipher than modern experimental songs. You can also easily look up their symbols online for reference.
- Listen to and distinguish minor and major-keyed songs.
Before you want to identify the primary and secondary keys, you must know the difference between them. Look for featured songs and listen. Gradually, you will feel its rhythm and emotion.
- Train your ear
A more advanced technique is to use your ears to determine pitches and chords. It takes a lot of time initially and requires a lot of knowledge, but this is the way that pros like best. The best practice method is to copy musical notes.
- Read the notation of the song.
Learn how to read sheet music on paper. It will give you an overview of the melody. Some notes even list the key on the first line.
Different Types Of Vocal Ranges
Once you’ve identified the song’s tone, it’s time to find the proper vocal range for you. Each person will have their own vocal range with different timbres. They are divided into six types.
Vocal range refers to the range from the lowest to the highest note that you can sing comfortably. If you go beyond that scale, your throat is easily stretched and makes your voice weak.
Alto
Alto is usually the lowest range of a female voice, ranging from F3 to F5. Some exceptions may sing above or below this scale. Those who can sing the lower range have a contralto voice and sing in the same scale as the tenor.
Although this range is similar to mezzo-sopranos, the sound generally sounds richer and fuller. Female singers are usually most comfortable on this scale.
Mezzo-Soprano
This vocal range belongs to the female mid-range. It overlaps both the alto and soprano vocal ranges, ranging from A3 to A5.
Some people in this range can sing in the scale of the soprano.
Soprano
This scale can hit the highest notes with ranges from C6 and C4.
Tenor
When talking about male artists, this is the highest vocal range with a scale from C3 to C5. Professional singers who can fine-tune their falsetto can hit the same high notes as female artists.
Male singers who sing higher than the tenor are called countertenors.
Baritone
This scale belongs to the men’s mid-range and overlaps the Tenor and Bass. The baritone’s oscillation is usually between A2 and A4. Some exceptions can extend from F2 up to C5. This vocal range is the most popular with men.
Bass
Bass usually fluctuates at E2 to E4 and makes the lowest vocal scale of men. However, it still has upper and lower extremes. Some singers with deep vocals can still go from C2 to G4.
How To Choose The Right Key To Sing In?
Now that you’ve figured out how to determine your best key and scale, the last thing to do is combine them. Find the key that matches your vocal range.
A song with the right melody and pitch will be the perfect choice for a masterful performance. So, how do you know what key you sing in?
Determining Your Range
The first and most essential thing is to determine your suitable vocal scale. Songs that are too low or too high have the potential to put pressure on your vocal cords and make you uncomfortable.
By knowing the highest and lowest notes you can reach, choosing the right song will be a piece of cake.
There are many ways to determine your vocal range. If you know how to play the piano, try using them to find the correct scale. Sing up and down a chord and feel if you’re comfortable.
To discover your vocal range, check out the following video.
Testing Out Different Keys
Try singing on a few different keys and pitches when practicing a brand new song. The trick is to always test three notes before making a final decision.
You can also challenge yourself by singing the duplicate three keys but ending in pitch. Another way is to sing at three different pitches, one tone off each.
Sometimes you’ll find a new singing style that makes a song so much more enjoyable. It also feels fresher. Keep changing. Maybe you will find an exciting way to sing?
Listening To The Songs
Try recording again and listening to your voice after experimenting with different notes. If you notice the tension and fatigue in your voice, this may not be the right chord for you.
Another situation is when you don’t hit enough notes as expected. The best solution is to try more comfortable keys. It will help you align and determine the right pitch for you.
The best tip is to listen to your body parts. Change it if a singing tone makes you feel pain or tightness in your throat.
The style of the music also plays an important role. Jazz and opera songs require specific vocal ranges that you cannot replace. For these particular styles, try to stay true to the spirit of the music as much as possible.
Final Thoughts
To be able to sing well, you first need to sing right. Singing with the proper technique and choosing the right tone for yourself is essential for outstanding performance.
Hopefully, after reading this article, you have had a general overview of identifying and practicing chords. Keep practicing them every day. You will indeed be surprised with your progress.
Don’t forget to share this article if you find it useful. Thank you for reading!
