Jump to content

Key Changes In Abc Scripts


Recommended Posts

I have an ABC script in which there is a key change (from G to C as it happens) half way through the script:

 

X:810
T:B-Schottisch
S:collection Elisabeth und Christoph Huspeka
Z:abc transcription Simon Wascher
N:please mail errors to: simon.wascher@chello.at
M:/4
L:1/16
K:G
B2Bc d2G2|B2A2 A2B2|c2cd e2F2|A2G2 G2A2|
B2Bc d2G2|B2A2 A2B2|c2ce d2F2|G2B2G4:|
|:d2FA c2e2|d4B2d2|c4A2c2|B2A2G4|
d2FA c2e2|d4B2d2|c2B2 c2A2|G2B2G4:|
K:C
c4G2c2|e4c2e2|d4B2d2|c2d2 e2G2|
c4G2c2|e4c2e2|d2A2d4|c8:|

 

Now, the portion in C does not contain any Fs, so as far as I can see, that portion could well have been left

in G?

 

I have tried commenting out the K:C which changes the key from G to C and playing back both versions in

EasyABC. To my untutored ear, they sound the same, so what please is the reason for the key-change? I

guess this is as much a question about music theory as about ABC...

 

The only reason that I can think of is to force the tune into another key so that it ends on the key note (C

in this case)...

 

I have seen other instances like this of a key change from G to C. This question does not address the

general one of mid-tune key changes, and is not meant to. It's simply about this specific example where

as far as I can see, the change isn't really necessary.

 

Thank you.

 

Roger

 

PS: The script is from the melodeon.net big_abc file...

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Saying it's in C tells you to use the appropriate chords for it (like, start by hitting the C bass button if you're using an instrument that has one) and tells you what notes you have to play with if you want to extend it with a variation of your own. It's future-proofing for what the tune might turn into rather than a static description of the notes provided.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Saying it's in C tells you to use the appropriate chords for it (like, start by hitting the C bass button if you're using an instrument that has one) and tells you what notes you have to play with if you want to extend it with a variation of your own. It's future-proofing for what the tune might turn into rather than a static description of the notes provided.

 

Short and sweet! Thank you very much! Now I understand.

 

Roger.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...