Change the key of a song
Choose a song and StemVocal reads its key, so you see where you start and where each move takes you: A minor two semitones up is B minor, three down is F♯ minor. Pick the number of semitones, press Change key, and the whole song is made again in the new key at its original tempo. Play it, then download the WAV or make a 320 kbps MP3 copy.
Semitones and keys
A semitone is the smallest step in Western music, one piano key to the next. Twelve semitones make an octave, so moving 12 up or down lands on the same key an octave away. Moving by an interval keeps the song's mode: a minor song stays minor. Some common moves:
| Move | From A minor | From C major |
|---|---|---|
| 1 down | G♯ minor | B major |
| 2 down | G minor | B♭ major |
| 1 up | B♭ minor | D♭ major |
| 2 up | B minor | D major |
| 5 up (a fourth) | D minor | F major |
| 7 up (a fifth) | E minor | G major |
The song key finder lists every key with its Camelot code if you are matching a key for a DJ mix.
Common reasons to change a key
- Singing. Bring a song into your range: down for a lower voice, up for a higher one.
- Playing along. Move a recording to the key your instrument part is written in, or to one with easier chords.
- Harmonic mixing. Nudge a track one semitone so it shares a Camelot code with the next one.
- Karaoke. Take out the lead vocal with the vocal remover, then change the instrumental's key here.
Getting a natural sound
The smaller the move, the more natural the result. Instruments usually hold up well; voices change character sooner, sounding thinner when raised and heavier when lowered. When only the backing track needs to move, separate the vocals first with the acapella extractor, change the key of the instrumental, and record your own vocal over it.
The practice player on StemVocal's separation pages also changes the key while a song plays, which is handy for trying several keys before you commit to one.