brian wilson and Bb (flat) keys?

[bringahorseinhere?]

I love b keys!

any reasons why Brian used 'flat' keys folks???

I know there are a few muso's around here, what are your thoughts?

Im a guitar player, and I love the 'sound' of flat keys... maybe Brian did also?..

I have noticed small things like...... surfin USA recorded in Eb..... performed live in E

Fun Fun Fun.....recorded in Eb..... live in E

Help me Rhonda.....Db.... live Db most times.......


What are the muso's thoughts out there on flat or sharp keys in terms of recording/performing?

Rick Bartlett

[PaulTMA]

A lot of piano players gravitate towards the 'black'/flat keys.  My friend who as a player is technically a bit rubbish, though is a good songwriter, always seems to come up with songs in flat keys when he writes on a keyboard.

[bringahorseinhere?]

thanks Paul..... Ta for the reply.....

RickB

[MarcellaHasDirtyFeet]

A lot of piano players gravitate towards the 'black'/flat keys.  My friend who as a player is technically a bit rubbish, though is a good songwriter, always seems to come up with songs in flat keys when he writes on a keyboard.

I am really a bad piano player and rubbish overall musician, too! But I've written a song or two on piano that are quite fun (for me, at least) and they usually end up being in a flat key-- something I used to avoid if I was writing on a guitar, but now I often use capos when I write on the six string so they end up being flat anyway. Just so I don't feel guilty about E and A and C. How boring.

I noticed that while Dennis wrote some songs in flat keys, he also has a few in plain ol' C.

[TMinthePM]

Color might be a factor in choice of Key, along with vocal range of course. Stepping up a half tone might deliver a brighter sound or an edgier sound if the vocalist is pushing up against the limit of his range.

I wonder if there is a discernible pattern of Key selection in ballads as opposed to rockers?