The Key to Key Signatures

I have been a long time believer that key signatures affect the 'feel' of a song. Changing a song by a half step, whole step, or more can greatly influence the energy and excitement that a song has.

As song leaders in liturgical churches, it is important to remember that our principal job is to lead the congregation to sing. I am going to say that again with emphasis...

Our principal job is to get the congregation to sing...!

Choosing what key signature to lead a song in can be a complex journey. Let's unpack some of the decisions around it...

Do we stick with the original key signature?

1. Was it written for liturgy, or for worship in an arena/conference setting? If it was written with the mindset of being liturgical, then the vocal range is probably reasonable (A below the staff to E at the top of the staff). Asking a Catholic or liturgical assembly to reach higher than that is risky. (How early is that first morning mass??)

2. If the original key is within a reasonable congregational range, can your team sing it?

3. If the congregation and the worship team/choir can sing it, can your instrumentalists play it?

If the answer to any of the above is "No", then it is up to us as music leaders to change the key. Let's now look at some other decision points. For this example, I'll look at the song "Who You Say I Am". This was the top worship song of 2018 and is still on the hot list of sites like CCLI, Praisecharts, etc.

The song was originally recorded in the key of F#, or Gb (6 sharps, or 6 flats). Here is a link to the video. Admittedly, F# is one of my favorite keys. It fits my voice very well, has tons of energy, and is fun to play in. The ladies with an Alto range LOVE this song because they can belt this range and setup a powerful transition into the chorus singing that F#/Gb on 'Do'. Notice in the video that Brooke Fraser, the worship leader is playing "G". Either her guitar is tuned down a half step, or maybe her guitar isn't in the mix? What do you think?

So, is F#/Gb the right key for this song? It depends!

While it is easy for me to put a capo on the 4th fret and play "D Major" chords, or tune down my guitar a half step and play the grips for "G Major", it isn't so easy for other people on the music team. Let's explore this a little.

- Is your piano player using an acoustic piano? Are they an accomplished player that can play well in this key?

- Any solo instruments like a flute, or a violin? Do they have the experience and expertise on their instruments to play a tune with 6 sharps or 6 flats?

I have found over time that many people participating in music ministry have good foundational skills from a high school or college music program growing up. Of course, some players grow beyond this level, but many do not. I reached out to one of the musicians in our parish music ministry that teaches band at the high school level (Lee). He affirmed that a key signature with 6 accidentals is the at highest level of material presented to students.

So, what is the move?

I'd say that if you are playing solo, or with a very experienced group...go for F# if it fits your vocal.

If you have a group that would struggle with the key, then I'd say bump it a half step up to G (one sharp), or down a half step to F (one flat) to make the music more accessible to your team.

CCLI's Songselect has a great transposing feature built into the software. Praisecharts.com always offers alternate keys. Take advantage of these tools!

Summary - The key has to work for a congregation to sing the piece well. Get beyond the E at the top of the staff and I think you are asking them for a lot! Next, it has to work with the vocals on your team. Lastly, it has to be playable by a group of weekend music ministers! We want our teams to feel encouraged! It is okay to challenge them, but be cautious not to frustrate them!

Leave a comment on how you choose key signatures for your teams...

Photo Credit: Photo byPuk KhanthoonUnsplash