|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
Anybody have tips or tricks for finding the optimum key to fit a specific singing range?
Singing is not my strength, and so I have spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out where my natural range lies, and whether that means all my songs should be in the same key. Although I haven't come to a firm conclusion yet, my "working conclusion" (subject to change based on new information) is this:
1) every singer should know his/her range (lowest, highest and most comfortable notes). In my case, all three of those are B flat. But when I try to put songs in the KEY of B flat, it doesn't always work
2) rather I have found that if I transpose the MELODY until all the notes are centered around B flat (even though the sharps and flats may put it in a different key) I can usually sing it comfortably.
3) I have also determined that the mode of the scale affects which key will put the melody in the middle of my natural range.
But I still haven't come up with an empirical formula that identifies a key based on information other than trial and error. Anybody have thoughts to add?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Pat,
My music computer is packed away for this evening so can't be specific but BIAB has a built in utility to do just what you're after. It does require songs with melodies I think. You enter your range or maybe sing your range. i'm just guessing now so I'll stop. Check it out.
For me I have a very narrow range yet I do songs in all keys. It all depends on were the melody line takes you. Some songs I can't do in any key. It's mostly trial & error for me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 74
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 74 |
I led music in Church for years. If the melody went higher than D I would lose about half the congregation. The songs were in C, D, F, G... .
It's not the key of the song. It's the range of the melody.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,888
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,888 |
Hi Pat,
From the sounds of things, Eb or F might be "generally" good keys for you because these keys will allow you sing both below and above the tonic. This will allow you to approach the tonic in both directions (up or down).
I don't know if you are aware of this but BIAB has a good little feature called "Vocal Wizard". With this, you simply compose a song in the key that the muse gives it to you, put your highest and lowest note into the Vocal Wizard and then, presto, BIAB will determine the best key for you to perform this song. I don't know if it will solve your problem but it could be worth a shot.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 224
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 224 |
Singing is not my strongest point either. Singing too high a key for song will cause me to go into a fit of coughing.
joe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583 |
I'm not at my music computer, so I can't tell you the exact command, but BIAB has a feature to help figure out which key to transpose a song to that matches your vocal range. You can enter the range you are comfortable with, and as long as the song has a MIDI melody entered, it will analyze the range of notes used to let you know which key maximizes the notes that fall within your singing range. I've used this feature a number of times.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589 |
Have you tried singing along to an original artist who you believe to be somewhat in your range.I was told when I was younger that I was a bass/baritone and found I could sing in the keys of most of Elvis's songs(not all mind you the top note of Surrender was a bit of a strain).So thats what I would try as well as the suggestions posted up.Frankie
AMD Athlon 7550 dual core
processor 2.51 ghz
1 87 gb ram
windows 7 Ultimate
yamaha rev 500 effects
tacam DP-24 DAW
Samson Resolv NF monitors
Yamaha PSR-620 Keyboard
Fender semi accoustic guitar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696 |
Hi Pat - I have no formula. As a self-accompanying guitarist, that's why God invented capos.  They are truly a god-send. I wouldn't even begin to know how to theorize arriving at such an answer. If it's a cover song - I test drive the song in C, G, D first. As already stated in the thread a lot depends on the melody line. Piano Man comes to mind - you need to sing in two octaves. I have a limited range but ended up in G or A primarily because I use harmonica, and didn't want to buy an F# harmonica but had the other two. I'm working on a song now that has a melody line within the C3-C4 octave. It was originally in the Key of C but I couldn't get much vocal power. So I regenerated RT versions of RB in the keys of D, E, F, G and settled on F - I never sing in F but it gave me power for a very narrow melodic range. Normally I would experiment using the capo on the old 6 sliding up and down the neck. . . but I wanted to see what RB would do with multi-regenerations with only 512 RAM . . . not even a hiccup. The only rule seems to be that there ain't a rule to me. You got to test drive the product. Does it save that much time to know in what key you should be able to theoretically sing? I suppose if you're a world famous tenor it does. Then you choose only the songs that puts your voice in it's comfort zone - but isn't it true for all of us. Maybe if one sat down with a vocal coach and worked out a vocal range, but you'd still be able to sing in multi keys within your vocal range. Capo seems to be the best answer for finding out. Too simplistic an answer? Bad cold day today - have patience please. Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,058
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,058 |
For myself, it's between c &c# and on a hill far, far away.   I'm most thankful for those that have a wider range Wyndham
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
The vocal wizard is the name of the utility in Band in a Box.
Find the Icon with the black side view of a head and a red arrow. Mine's on the top row beside the icon for guitar chord solo generator.
Fill in the lowest and highest note you can sing. The thing will analyze each song and then suggest the key. If you plan on just singing that's fine, but sometimes it shows a lot of sharps or flats. I'm ok but not with 6 flats or 5 sharps. But it gives you the analysis and you can set it to change the key for you.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 60
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 60 |
I have a little trick I do on my recordings. I find the most comfortable key to sing my song in. Then lower it a half-step or step, depending on where it will end up. Then I get up early in the morning and record the vocal in that lower key. Later in the day I would struggle a little to sing that low.
Why do I do this?
Well, I am writing mostly country-alt stuff, so I like that deeper, weary, burnt out on the road, vocal sound. Also I believe the human ear is a little more forgiving in "pitchyness", in the lower ranges.
AT2020mic> ArtStudioV3VoicedValvePreAmp> M-Audio2496> AMD AthlonII 215 DualCore, 2.7GHz, 5GbDDR3Ram> Win7x64> RealBand>Ozone4> Teac A1D Amp> KRK ST6 Monitors> My old worn out ears
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
Quote:
I have a little trick I do on my recordings. I find the most comfortable key to sing my song in. Then lower it a half-step or step, depending on where it will end up. Then I get up early in the morning and record the vocal in that lower key. Later in the day I would struggle a little to sing that low.
I was recently trying to learn a song from a CD, and it bugged me that it was in the key of Eb because that's tough on guitar even with a capo. I loved the deep vocals in the song. Anyway, to learn it more easily I loaded it into Audacity and raised it a half step to the key of E. When I heard the vocal in that key I immediately realized they had recorded it in E and then dropped it to deepen the singers voice. Comparing the two versions I was surprised how much better the "deeper" voice sounded.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
Thanks to all who pointed out that BIAB has a vocal wizard. Now that it's been mentioned, I remember seeing it before, thinking that it would be useful. In fact, it sounds like exactly what I'm looking for.
Ian,
my current method of determining key is to experiment with the capo. Your idea is certainly not "too simplistic".. I generally prefer simplicity. My biggest problem is that I work such long hours that when I finally have a few minutes to play I want to solve the analytical problems quickly so I can spend more time on the creative stuff.
Noel,
I have had some luck in those keys, depending on the melody. It should be noted I've also crashed and burned in the same keys with different melodies. Hence, the question that started the thread...
;-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 60
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 60 |
Pat , We have close to the same system. Have you had any issues with the 64bit Windows7?
AT2020mic> ArtStudioV3VoicedValvePreAmp> M-Audio2496> AMD AthlonII 215 DualCore, 2.7GHz, 5GbDDR3Ram> Win7x64> RealBand>Ozone4> Teac A1D Amp> KRK ST6 Monitors> My old worn out ears
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
Quote:
Pat , We have close to the same system. Have you had any issues with the 64bit Windows7?
None at all. But then, that computer is only used for music ... and I haven't had much time for music since I bought it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Band in a Box has a built in Wizard that can help you to find your singing range and then can instantly suggest keys in which you can sing any song that is already entered as a BiaB tune.
It is based on exactly the same methods that singing coaches and music schools use, and it works.
Try it.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
Quote:
Band in a Box has a built in Wizard that can help you to find your singing range and then can instantly suggest keys in which you can sing any song that is already entered as a BiaB tune.
It is based on exactly the same methods that singing coaches and music schools use, and it works.
Try it.
--Mac
Thanks Mac. I forgot that was part of the BIAB package (so much cool stuff included with BIAB, its easy to miss some of it!)
I will definitely try it... it appears to be exactly what I'm looking for
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!
Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!
Paket | Was ist Neu
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,650
Posts735,436
Members38,526
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean