Playing In other Keys LC Detail

Learning Center, Playing in Other Keys

The two primary Strumstick keys are D (with the D Strumsticks) and G (with the G Strumsticks).  What if I want to sing in a different key than D or G, or play along with others in a different key?

So what is a key anyway?
At the very simplest: Notes are used in certain groups to make songs, and a Key is a name of a certain group. There are 12 different note names; each key is a group of 7 of them.
    ex. Key of C uses notes C, D, E and 4 more;
          Key of A uses A, B, C# and 4 more. 

There are 4 ways to play a Strumstick in another key than its primary one.

A. Retuning to a new key: See Alternate Tunings page.

B. Using a capo to raise the pitch of the Strumstick: See Capo Use page.

C. Combining Retuning and Capo use. 
One example: Capo at 3rd fret shifts D Strumstick to key of G.
If you had retuned the Strumstick to key of C ( C, F, C tuning), capo at 3rd fret gives Key of F. There are very many possible combinations.

D. Using Chords from the Desired key found on the Strumstick in its primary tuning.
The Strumstick has an extra fret (number 6) in addition to the major scale frets. This adds some useful notes, and also allows the Strumstick to play chords in a second key from its primary key.

The D Strumstick can also play basic chords in key of G also.
Some Key of G chords found on D Strumstick: G, C, D, Em, Am, Bm

 
The G Strumstick can play chords in key of C also.
Some Key of C chords found on G Strumstick: C, F, G, Am, Dm, Em

See Chord Diagrams page for chord fingerings

See the Virtual Chord Changer Wheel page for common chords in many keys.

Here is a picture of the common chord groups in all 12 keys.