Singing Keys Explained: How to Find What Key to Sing In

In music theory, musical keys are groups of notes that have a harmonically pleasing relationship with one another. Western music contains twelve distinct pitches, each of which is repeated over the course of many octaves, but most music does not use all twelve of these pitches within a single section. Typically only seven of the twelve pitches are regularly used within a section of music. These pitch groupings are described using musical keys.

Composers and songwriters indicate musical keys by using key signatures on sheet music notation. By simply glancing at a key signature, a singer or instrumentalist can quickly gain information about:

• Notes: Musical key signatures indicate what seven notes will be readily available to produce consonant harmony.
• Chords: Key signatures also give clues to what consonant chords are available (the chords will be built upon the seven available notes). A song's principal chord progressions typically align with the notes in the key signature.
• Tonality: By looking at a key signature, a singer or player can tell whether the piece has a major or minor tonality. This will also require glancing at a few bars of music since every major key shares a key signature with a relative minor key. For instance, C major and A minor share a key signature.

Singers do not have particular keys they shine in. Rather, they have specific vocal ranges, and they thrive when singing melodies that fit those vocal ranges. The secret to finding the best key to sing in is to know your voice type. Explore the list of vocal ranges for both the male voices and female voices, ordered from lowest to highest.

1. 1. Bass: This is the lowest standard range for male singers. Many bass singers can sing as high as C4 (that is middle C on a piano keyboard) and as low as E2, which is nearly two octaves below middle C.
2. 2. Baritone: The baritone range is the most common among male singers. While baritones can't hit the low notes a bass can, they can usually dip down to G2. On the high end, most can hit E4.
3. 3. Tenor: Tenor, or countertenor, is the highest of the standard male ranges. Most tenors can sing between B2 and G4, which is a perfect fifth above middle C.
4. 4. Alto: Alto is the lowest standard range among women. A lot of altos excel at lower notes, dipping all the way down to F3 (a perfect fifth below middle C). Most can comfortably go up to D5.
5. 5. Mezzo-soprano: A mezzo-soprano typically ranges from A3 on the low end to F5 on the high end. This is the most common range for female voices.
6. 6. Soprano: Sopranos can sing famously high. Most start around middle C (C4) and comfortably hit A5 on the high end. Pop stars and opera divas can often go far higher than that.

Once you know your vocal range, you will be able to select the best key to transpose a particular song. Remember that melodies are different from keys. When selecting a higher key or lower key, avoid focusing on the name of the new key. Rather, focus on the notes you would have to sing in that transposed key.

As you seek out the easiest key to sing a particular song in, keep the following tips in mind.

1. 1. Always warm-up before singing. A proper warm-up will protect your vocal cords for the long term. It will also help open up notes that might not be available to you if you immediately jump into singing. Consult with a vocal coach, or use online videos or apps, which can offer many valuable singing exercises.
2. 2. Pick a key that showcases your high notes. Higher notes can convey immense power and emotion when belted from your natural voice (also called a chest voice). If a singer can't hit those high notes, they may transition to falsetto (also called head voice) which is inherently weaker and more breathy. An ethereal head voice can sound great in some contexts, but it lacks the power of a strong chest voice. It's advisable to pick a key where your voice sounds particularly strong on the highest notes.
3. 3. Find a key that fits naturally with the other instruments. Sometimes the original key of the song has more to do with instrumentalists than a singer. For instance, guitarists sometimes write songs that let them drone on open strings. This explains why a lot of guitar songs are in the keys of G, D, A, and E. If you're playing with a brass band, some horn players like "flat keys" that fit more naturally with their instrument. Take note that raising a song a half-step to a higher key may make your life easier, but it can make things far more tricky for other people in the band.

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