You certainly can use the diatonic chords to determine the key of a song. The thing to remember, though, is that this isn’t a foolproof method. Many songs in any one given key often borrow chords from other keys. For example, a song like Taking Care of Business, by Bachman Turner Overdrive, which primarily uses the chords C, Bb and F is in the key of C even though those three chords are diatonic only to the key of F.

While there are lots of ways to try to determine the key of a song, no single way guarantees you the correct answer. But more times than not, going by the diatonic chords will be helpful.

Peace

I just finished reading your 3 articals on determining key signature.

What I want to know is; Can the use of diatonic scales be used to identify the key of the song? If so, then is the key of that song the first of the diatonic scale or is it the mode of the first chord?

Thank you,
Jasper Eads of Unstaggered

Thanks for writing.

I know many musicians who have come up the same way and while each of them have a bit of a different and personal approach to improvising, one key element they share is in starting out slowly. It’s very easy to get frustrated because your technique is good but you can’t quite do what you want to as yet.

I recommend beginning with very simple songs that you already know quite well – pop songs with two to four chords or even your basic twelve-bar blues progression. Even though it’s geared for guitarists, you may find the series on Turning Scales into Solos that we’re running at Guitar Noise to be of help to you.

Try to sit in with other musicians in an informal jam session whenever possible (if you happen to live in western Massachusetss, let me know!). Usually folks are very friendly and helpful in this sort of setting and you will learn more by doing the playing than simply by getting your head in shape by reading up on things.

Be prepared to make a lot of mistakes, but also be prepared to have a lot of fun. Please keep me posted on how things are going. Good cellists (is that a word?) add so much to a jam session.

Thanks again for writing and I look forward to hearing from you again.

Peace

Thanks and keep up the good work!!

fishrock