A key question

Julian Barton · Mar 20, 2018

So as some of you know I am working on writing some songs. I am planning on writing and producing an album in a Vai way like just guitar. So my question is if I write an album should all of the songs be in the same key? I feel like yes because it will be easy on the listeners ears but at the same time it seems like it would be repetitive and hard to create a lot of diversity.

idssdi · Mar 20, 2018

I don’t think so. But I also really dig weird key changes

Jak Angelescu · Mar 20, 2018

I think as soon as the words “Should I” come out, you’re already limiting yourself. There are two ways you can look at this:
1) you’ll want to keep a solid signature so that you can truly explore all of its possibilities and become proficient with it.
2) you’ll venture into different key signatures depending on the vibe of the song.
Every key signature has its own sound, feel and emotion. That’s why keys like Dm are used in a lot of metal songs and love ballads can be in C major.
I think you need to do what you’re feeling. And I agree with Ids. If you feel a modulation or key change coming on in the middle of the song, go for it! Classical music does it all the time. Just make sure it transfers well

Julian Barton · Mar 20, 2018

Thanks again you too! I can’t believe you two have always been so quick to not only answer my questions but answer them in a manner that is just wow. I am so glad that you two are here for everyone and I hope that you guys end up going somewhere with your music because you are both insanely talented!

idssdi · Mar 20, 2018

No problem Julian!

Syn Gates · Mar 20, 2018

I would urge you to explore multiple key changes! We often get stuck in D minor because we love the heaviness of it with rare visits to C# or E Minor.
Buried Alive begins in A minor and modulates to E minor for the bridge/outro while Bat Country is primarily in D minor and modulates to C major for post choruses and outro.
Experimenting in different keys also provides different styles of inspiration. Whenever I’m writing, I always explore as many key signatures as possible.
Beatles and Zepplin albums rarely contain many songs in the same key but metal is more anchored by its quest for heaviness and bands usually have a tonal preference(i prefer drop D, it’s heavy but articulate).
Hope this helps and can’t wait to hear your work!
As always, great insight Ids and Jak you are so appreciated here!!

Julian Barton · Mar 20, 2018

As long as this forum is still up does anyone know if the song for the love of god has a rhythm guitar? It sounds like steve is playing all by himself and only those notes with stuff in the background but I can’t tell for sure.

Jak Angelescu · Mar 20, 2018

I’m glad I could help. I truly believe Julian, you have a great mind set to create amazing music. And I too, can’t wait to hear it! You know how to reach out to me if you need anything else

Jak Angelescu · Mar 20, 2018

Yes there is an underlying rhythm guitar part. You can hear it in the beginning he is doing some sort of picking pattern

idssdi · Mar 20, 2018

Yeah I’m interested in what you come up with(it probably will be great). I’m not sure about For The Love Of God from thw top if my head. I’d Have to Listen to it.

Julian Barton · Mar 20, 2018

Thanks Jak and one final question when switching keys can you just flow into them or should be gradual? As well I noticed syn had some complex keys going on in buried alive is there keys that go together like chords do in a I IV V system?

idssdi · Mar 20, 2018

It really depends on what youw ant I sometimes just randomly change key(because I think it’s fun, not everyone likes it though) and sometimes it’s really gradually or only a small key change. Well for example you habe something like Am and C go good together just as Em and G go together as well. Then you have for example Am and Em which go together well or Bm and Em because of modes and stuff like that

Julian Barton · Mar 20, 2018

Again thank you for the fantastic insight! I will have to get going when I am home working on that song so I can throw it up on here.

Bartosz Tkaczyk · Mar 20, 2018

I have nothing left to say but that there are no limits. Do whatever you want, be creative and have fun!

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