how does one figure out the key the song is being played in

[i-watermelon john]

Can someone give a simple answer.

thanks

[aussieteacherPMMD]

Well, you can look at the key signiture, but a real guitarists way is to run up and down the notes on the bass string until you find the note that matches the first and last chord- if the song starts on another chord, the last chord is the best bet ie: if the song ends on a G, the song is in G...if it's in a minor key, the match will come on the note three frets lower, so Em is relative to G, Am is relative to C and so on.

[Olly]

Some good advice there Aussie. I am guilty of not specifically knowing what key I am in but just using patterns.

I find where it works and then I know the whole fretboard. I would prefer to get more familiar with thinking about what key I am in as it will help with composing. Patterns, of course, do not.

The three fret down the relative minor is a great tip. I have been counting on my fingers up 6 notes to work it out. Then I have to work out if it is a sharp of flat. 3 frets lover is a much better and quicker way so thanks!

[i-watermelon john]

Well, you can look at the key signiture, but a real guitarists way is to run up and down the notes on the bass string until you find the note that matches the first and last chord- if the song starts on another chord, the last chord is the best bet ie: if the song ends on a G, the song is in G...if it's in a minor key, the match will come on the note three frets lower, so Em is relative to G, Am is relative to C and so on.

Wow aussie, thanks, you made it sound so simple