Re: [Harp-L] What's a "key"?

[Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

On May 7, 2011, at 3:47 PM, sheltraw@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> SmoJoe
> 
> The problem is that folks given multiple definitions of "keys". Some are
> ambiguous and some are useless. Some of these keys unlock nothing.
> 
> If all one wants is a reference note so that you will know which of the
> possible 12 transpositions of a tune one should play then why not just
> ask: "What's the first chord?

Because the first chord could be the F chord in the keys of F, C, or Bb.  Better to ask, "What's the last chord?'

The following is a quotation from the musical theory text "Tonal Harmony" by Kostka and Payne:

"The term 'key' is used in music to identify the the first degree of a scale. For instance 'the key of G major' refers to the major scale that begins on G."

There are exceptions to every rule in music, but you can rely on this one 99.9% of the time playing harmonica in a band. 
 
Vern