Hey guys, this might come across as a little odd, but I am trying to make my own album. I've never really been much of a singer, but I don't know anyone else to do it. I like to think I'm a decent guitar player though.
My problem is, I don't know how to tell what key I naturally sing in. Is there some magical trick as to figuring it out?
Any help would be appreciated!

Hi FatNWeak: everyone has a range they feel most comfortable in (assuming they can sing at all). Play your songs in different positions up and down the neck and when it sounds best and feels right in your throat and chest, why then you've found the key that's good for you. Most people can go up or down a few tones from their ideal spot, but if you are straining to get to the higher notes in the song then you likely need to transpose it lower.

Experimenting and experience will tell.

Cheers - C

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an outside professional opinion is the best option. you can get great advice from a Choir teacher, that's what I did. they are very good at determining your ideal range in just a few minutes. (its their job) it helps greatly if you build on the correct sweet spot in the beginning.

sometimes what you think sounds rite isn't always so..... also if you have siblings in school you will have access to this help for free. unless your a sex offender

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Try singing along with simple songs you know and then determine the key that they're in.

For example, try some Dylan, Jagger, Clapton, Beatles, etc.

Most people that sing find that the relative minor of a key (i.e. Am for key of C ) also works well or Em for G, etc).

Good luck!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

The key you sing in will probably change from song to song. Slow quiet ballads will generally be in a different key than some rocker you'd belt out. Myself, I generally sing somewhere between the range of G and C depending on the song. Volume (voice projection) is a factor here. You'd shout in a higher key than you'd talk in, for instance.

The way I would recommend is to sing the song, not with the recording or instrumentation, but just acappella. try it in higher and lower ranges until you find where you can sing it all the way through with the best sound and least effort or strain, then pick up the guitar and locate the key you're in.

Like I said, different songs may require a key change.

That's an interesting question that I never thought of. Thanks for posting it.

I have an OK sounding voice but my range is barely an octave. When I say, "I can't sing" it is literally true for most songs.

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In my opinion Leo Fender had essentially perfected the guitar amplifier by 1964.

one octave! so you sound like johnny cash or the "clear eyes" guy singing?

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Violin Parent I feel your pain..Im so terrible I dont sing in the car ..alone..ever..haha 53 yrs and no improvement in sight..Im never going to understand on shows like American Idol how people who are horrible think they can sing..there is absolutely NO shadow of doubt I can NOT!!

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Mona
"Music is What Feelings Sound like"