Thanks for writing about this stuff.

I am an Anglican worship leader in DC, as well, and I think we may have some mutual friends. Ironically, I also blog on such topics over at http://churchmusicblog.wordpress.com/ I just found your blog and intend to put it in my reader. Maybe we’ll cross paths at some point.

In the meantime, keep up the good work.

Peace,
Wendell Kimbrough
Director of Worship Arts
The Church of the Advent, DC

You remind me of a complaint I’ve long had about live worship recordings…

I can fully understand worship leader albums for using songs in keys that showcase the singer’s vocal gifting – I think that’s a matter of excellence and artistry.

But I cannot understand why the recording companies carry on putting out live worship recordings using the same songs in the same keys. Do the same rules of serving your congregation with songs they can actually sing not apply?

Al.

I used that song several years ago, but haven’t in quite a while. When I did use it, I moved it down to the key of E.

Jamie

My rule of thumb is confusing since men and women sing in different octaves. So, it’s hard to specify which “C” I’m talking about… For men it’s from an octave below middle C to middle C. For women they’re comfortable singing from middle C to an octave up. Then there are those who are exceptions on both sides. It’s confusing. Oh well.

I should have linked to Bob Kauflin’s post on this topic a few months ago. The post was titled: “Finding the Right Key to Sing In”

He shares a number of helpful tips about range, repetition, etc.

Jamie

Thanks for the tips on this. I’ve been dealing with the issue of difficult keys a lot lately! Can you clarify the description of your rule of thumb – do you mean from the C below middle C to middle C itself? (ie a one octave range) Also, are you describing a good range for male voices? If so, then for female voices, would it be middle C to the C above middle C?

I find CCLI’s Song Select so helpful, since when it transposes the song, I can check the piano sheet and see exactly what the high/low notes for the melody will be in that key.

Btw, whenever I read this blog, I am so grateful that you are exercising your gifts by writing this blog. Thanks for writing it.

Thanks for stopping by!

I do both “Nothing But the Blood” and “You Never Let Go” in the key of A.

On “Nothing But…” it’s pretty comfortable all around in the key of A. The verse dips down to a low B, which is pretty low, but then in the chorus you don’t get higher than a high C#.

Singing “You Never Let Go” in the key of A is a bit on the low end for the verses. A low C# is common, and dips down to a low A. But then when you hit the pre-chorus, chorus, and bridge, your highest note is a D. So, the verses are a bit low and the chorus a bit high. It seems to be a good compromise on this song, though.

Jamie

Thanks for posting this! In what keys do you sing ‘Nothing but the blood’ and ‘You never let go’? I’ve tried to sing them, but didn’t find a comfortable key to sing them in.

By the way: I’ve just stumbled upon your blog ‘by accident’ and I’m so glad I found it. I love your posts; very balanced, focused on God and not performance… Thanks!

God Bless,
Michiel
(the Netherlands)