Message 21/28
Date: 07-Dec-02 @ 03:39 AM -
RE: The Key of House
Steve,
I think you missed the reference to This is Spinal Tap. I was so very much joking.
Key really only has relevance to a harmonic series. See, as you go on in your studies, you will learn about things like modes, where if you alter the orders of sharps and flats, you'll be altering the mode, but then you move that mode around on the note series, and it becomes another key. Basic example A minor=C major= another key in Dorian=another key in Lydian=another key in Mixolydian=another key in Phrygian, etc. The thing is that all of those different keys use the exact same set of notes in them. The only difference is the way you approach the harmonic series.
Where you start, where you end and how you get there are what matters. The names of the keys are almost completely irrelevant, especially in instruments with tempered tunings, like pianos, synthesizers, and fretted instruments. Like I said before, you'll start to hear differences when you start playing with real horn players because their instruments are tunes to the harmonic series in a particular key typically, so that when they switch keys, they may sound a little out of tune with the other instruments. This is where key signiture matters, but when you're talking about stuff, with almost completely synthesiszed and sampled sounds, that shit don't matter, cuz the instruments are all using tempered tunings.
Does ANY of this make sense now? Do you now see why your question regarding the key of a particular music form is completely rediculous?
I'm not trying to bash you over the head, just make light of what I find to be a very humorous question.
Gideon also tried to explain it in a more succinct fashion.
Ape