Re: Yet Another Key Question

On Jun 29, 2:43 am, Jim Carr <newsgro...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
First, the caveats. This is an academic question by someone unschooled
in music theory. It won't change how I play the song. However, every
time we have one of these discussions, I get a little bit more edjamacated..

You might recall that several months ago I had some serious fluid in my
ears that wrecked my hearing for a while. It was so bad I really
couldn't play. During that time I sat down with some of my music books
and wrote out the progressions in terms of I-IV-IV. This, of course,
required knowing the key. It was a good mental exercise.

The song in question is Badge by Cream. It has one sharp, so it's G/Em,
yes? It has a very minor feel during the verse with Am and Em chords.
When it transitions into the chorus, it is very much a major feel with
G, C, and D chords. It almost feels like a key change.

So, in words, how would you music theory guys describe the song?

--
Write a wise saying and your name will live forever.
   - Anonymous

First off, I'm not familiar with Badge.

Key change in the tune is likely. As JS said rock stuff tends to be
modal, and can change key abruptly. That's a large part of the flavour
of some tunes. The """wrong """ notes. (Notice the big quotes there)

But what is relevant IMHO, is to learn the (vocal) melody. That will
more than anything else tell you what key or mode the tune is in.

Grasshopper, always remember the old joke :
How do you get a bassplayer to turn down?



.

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