Changing the key of my licks

Hello GT!
I play guitar for a year now and the most fun i have with my instrument is when i try to make my own songs. I dont know too much music theory so mostly i try to follow my ears. Sometimes i discover new licks i like but they dont fit the song, they sound good but not with the full song i guess its because they are not in the same key.

So my question is: how do i figure out the key of a lick (i tried playing it over every chord but i hope there is an easier way)? How can i change the key of the lick?


Thanks in advance

Originally Posted by: furazHello GT![/quote]
Hey & welcome!

Originally Posted by: furazI dont know too much music theory so mostly i try to follow my ears.[/quote]
If you are interested in learning some basic theory I encourage you to start at the Guitar Fundamentals 2 course, which introduces the basics of music theory with lots of practical applications!

http://www.guitartricks.com/course.php?input=2

This tutorial covers all the fundamental issues in music theory in a bit more depth:
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=495
[QUOTE=furaz]So my question is: how do i figure out the key of a lick (i tried playing it over every chord but i hope there is an easier way)?

These tutorials are designed to help you understand how to do this:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=876
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=483
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=491
[QUOTE=furaz]How can i change the key of the lick?

Move it up or down the neck, while keeping it's shape consistent. IOW, play the same shape or group of notes, but move them all up or down together.

Example lick in A major:

E |---------------------|
B |-----2-3-5-3-2-------|
G |-2-4-----------------|
D |---------------------|
A |---------------------|
E |---------------------|

The note A is two frets lower than B in music. So, in order to change the key of this lick to B major, move the whole pattern up 2 frets.

E |---------------------|
B |-----4-5-7-5-4-------|
G |-4-6-----------------|
D |---------------------|
A |---------------------|
E |---------------------|

Make sense?

Hey!

Great tutorials, really helpfull.I already started the music theory lessons.
Changin the key of a lick is easier than i tought :D

Thanks for the help!

Originally Posted by: furaz
Great tutorials, really helpfull.I already started the music theory lessons.
Changin the key of a lick is easier than i tought

Good deal! You are welcome for the reply. Glad it was valuable to you. Let me know how it goes. :)