For Kicks: What Key is SWEET HOME ALABAMA In?

[Baminated]

Originally Posted by FeloniousBishop

.

I think the poll is kind of meaningless because the choices are both wrong.

But if the term "parent key" was used, they wouldn't be :-)

[FeloniousBishop]

Originally Posted by Baminated

But if the term "parent key" was used, they wouldn't be :-)

You could say the parent key is G, but as many people have already said, there is more to the key than the key sig. The tonal center is equally part of it. The guy who works in transcription said it many pages back.

In the verses the lines all pivot around D and there the song is D mixolydian rather than G. In some of the other parts G is the anchor.

All through the key sig is the same although in the lead work there are some outside notes.

[tonejunky]

I think that you will find that there is at least one part of the song where playing a solo with a Dm Pentatonic scale does not sound bad.

[uitar99]

nothing better than have this resurface-I'm of the Em pentatonic solo route-

[gtrdave]

Originally Posted by FeloniousBishop

SHA changes back and forth between D mixolydian and G. The verses are D mixolydian, that awesome break thing with the chromatics is in G, and some of the solos are in G even when the progression is the same as the verses. Without the vocals, with the guitar solo, it's more of a G feel. The first solo follows the changes.

What "changes"? The three chords are the I IV V of G. It couldn't be more elementary. Play G major scale. Or D mixolydian mode if you want to seem smarter than others. For cryin' out loud, it's not a jazz standard...

Originally Posted by FeloniousBishop

D mixolydian, G major and E minor all have the same key signature.

Mixolydian is not a key.
How many times does this have to be stated before people actually get it?

Originally Posted by FeloniousBishop

I think the poll is kind of meaningless because the choices are both wrong.

All things music theory related clearly state that the song is in the key of G.
You can say or feel or desire or wish with all your heart that it emphasizes the V of G or D mixolydian or whatever...and that's fine...but the key center is still G.

[gtrdave]

Originally Posted by tonejunky

I think that you will find that there is at least one part of the song where playing a solo with a Dm Pentatonic scale does not sound bad.

Steve Gaines played parts of the ending solos in Dm pentatonic on the OMftR version of SHA.
Being as good as he was, he made it work.

[JasonElGato]

This song is tonally centered around G major from start to finish.

No amount of convincing could get me to agree with the D camp on this one. Y'all definitely smokin' too much wacky tobaccy.

[benxiwf]

Originally Posted by gtrdave

Yes, I know that you and many others want it to be in D and want to play D mixolydian over it, but you're providing no logic nor proof why it should be in D.
Again, the V chord of the song if it were in D would be an A or A7

Simply not true. You mention the simpsons in C Lydian and the 5 chord being G major. This is true because the V chord is a major triad of gbd still in lydian as only the 4th is raised. In mixolydian, the 7th is flat so in D mixolydian, the V chord is ACE - A minor, not major as you say.

[slimponey]

It seems Google has finally settled this debate:

https://www.google.com/search?q=what...hrome&ie=UTF-8

[Zingeroo]

As if it was ever a question? I've known this since I learned the song.
It's V-IV-I. The I being G, of course.

People can't handle the first chord not being the I, I suppose...

[27sauce]

Over 200 people think its in D? Scary.

[Zingeroo]

Originally Posted by 27sauce

Over 200 people think its in D? Scary.

Over 200 people are WRONG.

[A-Bone]

Wow. This thread is back again.

[sacakl]

Oh no, not this thread again! .

[taez555]

Originally Posted by Zingeroo

Over 200 people are WRONG.

Actually, every single person who voted is wrong. ;-)