Banjo Hangout Logo
Banjo Hangout Logo

Premier Sponsors

  • The Murphy Method
  • Elderly Instruments - Since 1972
  • CROSSROCK
  • Deering Banjos
  • Gold Tone


View optionzz's Homepage

optionzz

You must sign into your myHangout account in order to contact optionzz.

Free Excel App to find best key for your voice and any song

Friday, February 12, 2010

Hi,

Recently, in a local slow jams, we discussed the topic: "Given my singing range, and the range of notes of a specific song, how do I find out which keys would work for me to sing in?" Lots of folks seem to think there is one, natural key, for them to sing any song in: not so!  The question then goes on: "So, if I can only play in (1 to 5 favorite keys) what capoing would I do to achieve the proper voice range match and still finger chords in my favorite keys?"

I spent awhile researching this topic, and while I'm not a strong musician, I'm reasonably good at algorithms :) so I worked out a spreadsheet for my jam group that makes it easy to find YOUR best key to sing in for a specific song. It goes a step farther and offers suggestions of how to capo up to play in any of your five favorite keys. Thus, if it tells you need to sing a song in Bb (yuk, who wants to play in that key?!) it will suggest that you capo up 3 and play in G. No magic here, but good to help beginners learn.

If you want a copy of the current version of the spreasheet, please email me off list and I'll send it as an attachment. The only cost, is I'd like feedback as to problems, bugs, or suggestions for improvement. I've included 7 songs as examples. Just type in a few items, and it will tell you singing keys and capoing. The first tab in the excel file has full instructions. 
This first version handles only songs in major keys; I'm working on minors for the next round, and will notify all holders of the first version when the next release is available (still for free).

Thanks to all of you who have provided your knowledge, encouragement and jokes!

Pete
2 comments

optionzz's friends list is empty.

Playing Since: 1965
Experience Level: Intermediate

Interests:
[Jamming] [Socializing]

Occupation: Retired Computer Consultant

My Instruments:
Banjo for a few years and guitar for a few more

Favorite Bands/Musicians:
So many, but I really like the Gibson Bros, Blue Highway, String Dusters, and Laurie Lewis

Classified Rating: not rated
Rate this Member

Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 8/23/2005
Last Visit 12/19/2024

68 year old, relative beginner, love to play and even love to practice. Enjoy playing with others, but not so good at it..

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)

Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.





Hangout Network Help

View All Topics  |  View Categories

0.3007813