Beginner recording Recording Progress

[JayeNM]

It happens now and again even in gig performance sometimes....usually takes around 4-8 bars for someone to call out 'check yoyr key' or 'it's Bb !!!' or the like....

Usually result of someone pulling up wrong keyed chart or me as bandleader having not communicated key before we start....

 

[mizmar]

Even in a practice room situation.
It's all well and good with prepared material, mostly.
But then you pick some other backing or want to transcribe/play with a real artist recording...
It may never be perfect, it takes quite a lot of time and practice. Sure, playing with backings but - I think - playing with a drone etc. Also helps.

 

[JSL]

It happens now and again even in gig performance sometimes....usually takes around 4-8 bars for someone to call out 'check yoyr key' or 'it's Bb !!!' or the like....

Usually result of someone pulling up wrong keyed chart or me as bandleader having not communicated key before we start....

I still remember many years ago when I was playing at a jam session and someone called the key prior to starting. Unfortunately, I misheard what he called (something along the lines of hearing "B" when "E" was called). I started a fast passage at top volume in my solo and almost immediately knew something was wrong. I stopped playing but the damage was done! I'll never forget the look the guitarist gave me and I never made that mistake again.

If you're on the bandstand and the key isn't called or you're unsure, go over and play softly in front of the wall to find the right key. I think it's important to be able to hear it. If for example, you're playing the blues (or any tune where you can ID a V-I cadence), one thing you can do is wait for the V7 chord and match it, or simply find the tonic. Either way will help clue you in to what key you're in.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I think I can hear when I'm playing in the wrong key, but if I convince myself I'm in the right key, it will seem to be right.

I cannot understand that.

Edit: meant to say I can understand that

 

[Woodpad]

I think there is connection with the brady bunch.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKaLNj3j_T8

 

[PiccoloPirate]

Alon is playing too loud for the backing track.
Might as well just play the Tenor without music.
Not a great track, intro okay,
or send the band home. 😜
Piano, Bass, Drums/brushes, Sax or Vocals, it ain't a story for me, with a symphony. 🧐
Not everyone, early on in their learning, can find the key on the horn, a keyboard can make it easier.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owMj7U_W-Ao

 

[Pete Thomas]

I cannot understand that.

I meant to say I can understand that.

 

[JSL]

I meant to say I can understand that.

I think I understand it too, but even so, it (playing in the wrong key but convincing yourself it's the right key) doesn't make it sound any better to the audience. 😳

 

[AlonW]

When I finally realized this was in the wrong key and gave it a good listen, I couldn't stop laughing.

 

[Grumps]

?

Yeah, Jaye got it. Bert Convy. Which had nothing to do with the rubber ducky reference. You should know by now I'm pretty freeform with pop culture references. but forgive me for missing yours. I was playing confused... because I was.

 

[Colin the Bear]

The finger system can stop mishearing things.
F, one flat, one finger down
G one sharp, one finger up.

Heard on the bandstand

Is this in D or are you mad at me?

 

[skeller047]

And what is going on in my brain that causes me to believe it's in the right key when it's not?

Thinking and looking vs. listening.

 

[AlonW]

I used the BetterTrax backing for this.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0oGi6YtL-4

 

[mizmar]

What did I do wrong?

It can be quite hard to setup sheet music and a particular version of a song.
People often don't record in the nominal key. Being able to hear the key of a recording just by listening is quite a skill. Some apps will give a value but it's not 100% reliable. Maybe if one transcribes/leans by ear a bit of the recording, you can work it out from the notes you are playing..

And what is going on in my brain that causes me to believe it's in the right key when it's not?

It's a learned skill.
People acquire it more less easily. But while one is developing it, mistakes will be made.

 

[PiccoloPirate]

Any tips for getting the volume of the backing tracks and your playing, so that both are heard?

Is playing out of tune, a variation of,
free jazz? 😵‍💫

Consistency, is not always a virtue.

 

[PiccoloPirate]

As long as the OP is having fun, that's great, but getting a good mix, would be nice, if possible.

 

[JayeNM]

Thinking and looking vs. listening.

Myeah, I actually do not understand how someone can hear something is off but then 'convince themselves' and forge ahead.

My recollection is it got a young Charlie Parker into a very embarrassing public situation, once (?)

I mean, it IS a matter of ear training....but if the clues are there...stop and make the correction.

 

[JayeNM]

I still remember many years ago when I was playing at a jam session and someone called the key prior to starting. Unfortunately, I misheard what he called (something along the lines of hearing "B" when "E" was called). I started a fast passage at top volume in my solo and almost immediately knew something was wrong. I stopped playing but the damage was done! I'll never forget the look the guitarist gave me and I never made that mistake again.

If you're on the bandstand and the key isn't called or you're unsure, go over and play softly in front of the wall to find the right key. I think it's important to be able to hear it. If for example, you're playing the blues (or any tune where you can ID a V-I cadence), one thing you can do is wait for the V7 chord and match it, or simply find the tonic. Either way will help clue you in to what key you're in.

When that happens onstage my first reaction usually is "damn, that dude is taking it OUTSIDE !"
But after maybe 8 bars tops, I re-assess ....

Your transgression didn't seem too terrible...you caught it. It's when folks in live performance do NOT clue in is when it can trainwreck.

Again, playing with singers, occasionally one will just not start on key. Rest of band will keep to the key and help them find it best we can....hopefully we can escape the initial head and get to the solos while someone informs them they gotta find their pitch on the out ...but there have been very rare situations, sometimes alcohol induced, sometimes not...where the vox is literally just gonna stay put come h#ll or high water, so we actually shift the key midstream to find wherever the heck they are.

Then we talk at break.

But...advice - don't DO THAT to your bandmates ...

 

[JayeNM]

will say again, tho...Lush Life is a hecka bad tune for a person with a so-so ear to try to lock onto, pitch wise...both because of it's unusual changes and the general out-of-time 'feel'....

So I would never have suggested it for most at this level...

 

[JayeNM]

Alon, you can actually work on the ear aspect.

One exercise I have done with people is...I provide a chord progression or bass line recording for a very simple tune..Route 66 let's say...in several keys.

Then the lead has to figure out the correct starting note for each version. 66 is easy since the A section melody is basically one note...