The key is the key! (Does the key signature matter?)

The key signature of a tune or a composition is something that we tend to accept without question. But why are some tunes in one key, and some in another? Does the key signature matter? Do different keys sound different? I discuss these questions with particular reference to fiddle music, but also with reference to classical music theory, to jazz, rock, bluegrass and country music. Among the most important aspects of this for the fiddle player are the use of open strings, of ornamentation that requires particular finger patterns, the grouping of tunes into medleys, and the necessity of working with other instruments. The discussion includes tempered and non-tempered scales, the meaning of "the people's key", the relative difficulty of different keys, and various attempts to ascribe emotional characteristics to different keys. Below are details of further fiddle resources from Chris Haigh 1. Patreon 2. Books 3. Subscription video courses 4. Website 5. Email to request pdf’s. 1. PATREON This is a platform where anyone can directly help to support creative artists and get closer access to their work. You can join me on Patreon at three levels, for £4, £10 or £40 per month. At the lowest level you get access to all my pdf’s and tune collections, plus many exclusive tuition videos not available to the public. At level 2 you can join also me once a month for a group Zoom chat, and can request three backing tracks each month. Level 3 gives you all the above plus a free lesson once a month, and access to all my backing tracks. You can find me on Patreon at   / thefiddlechannel   2. BOOKS I have eight fiddle tuition books published by Schott, all widely available from the publisher, from Amazon, and many other outlets. All come with audio tracks illustrating the tunes and exercises. Exploring Jazz Violin Beginning Jazz Violin Discovering Rock Violin Exploring Folk Fiddle Exploring Klezmer Fiddle Hungarian Fiddle Tunes French Fiddle Tunes Exploring Country and Bluegrass Fiddle You can order from https://bit.ly/31ZWmgm 3. VIDEO SUBSCRIPTION COURSES I have three video subscription courses - MUSIC GURUS- Exploring Jazz Violin. Based on my Schott book Parts 1 and 2 are each £26 for 26 lessons, covering the first and second halves of the book Part 1; https://tidd.ly/3SwHGhb Part 2 https://tidd.ly/3SwHGhb MUSIC GURUS Discovering Rock Violin. . Based on my Schott book £35 for 46 lessons https://tidd.ly/3SwHGhb MUSIC GURUS Exploring Country and Bluegrass Fiddle. Based on my Schott book. 31 lessons for £31.99 https://tidd.ly/3SwHGhb ACADEMY OF FOLK Includes a folk fiddle primer course, with introductions to basic techniques and concepts plus an Irish Fiddle Course and Scottish fiddle course. A monthly sub of $9.99 gives access to all lessons https://academyoffolk.com/ 4. WEBSITE My website is probably the most extensive and detailed summary of fiddle styles on the web, as evidenced by the range of top hits on Google for many fiddle styles. www.fiddlingaround.co.uk __________________________________________________________ TO REQUEST PDF’S, or ask any questions, CONTACT ME AT [email protected]