Thread: What key is this melody in?

E E G F# D E

And why does it remind me of pirates?

I'd say it does suggest E minor.

Originally Posted by Tristan

I'd say it does suggest E minor.

It would have to be E aeolian, because there's no leading tone D#. E aeolian is only the clear choice if a) the final note of the given melody is the end of a period, b) it was the intent to go for a modal sound, and/or c) the rhythm is the same for every note. It could easily be harmonized in any number of keys, especially allowing for ending on a half-cadence.

Originally Posted by Mahlerian

It doesn't necessarily imply any one key (it's too simple for that). You could harmonize it in C major relatively easily, or A minor, or perhaps E aeolian (or any number of other keys, with some creativity). As for the pirate association, I'd imagine that it has more to do with rhythm than the notes you've given.

I was in fact attempting to improvise in C lydian. which progressed or modulated somewhat to where it was in some sort of pentatonic. In fact I know nothing about ancient modes so I have no idea what I was actually doing.

Originally Posted by obwan

I was in fact attempting to improvise in C lydian. which progressed or modulated somewhat to where it was in some sort of pentatonic. In fact I know nothing about ancient modes so I have no idea what I was actually doing.

In the tonal system, an F# in a melody centered on C should resolve to G as its leading tone, either as part of a V-of-V chord or a #ivdim, both preparing the dominant. If you want a specifically lydian flavor, harmonize it differently (like over a drone) and/or emphasize the motion of that F# to another note. Also, using plagal cadences rather than perfect tends to sound lydian or folk-like.

This one would feel like a tonal C major.
C major example.png

This one more a modal C lydian.
Lydian Example.png

(Excuse my poor part-writing)

Originally Posted by CarterJohnsonPiano

When I sing the given melody notes, my mind can harmonize it quite easily in E minor...it doesn't really have to be E aeolian (ever heard of the melodic or natural minor scales? They both have a D natural in them.)

You are of course correct, but if the D is the penultimate note of the melody, then it cannot coexist with a true V-I perfect cadence. Thus while the above may fit into a piece in E minor, it is not itself justifiable as (common practice tonal) E minor.

(Yes, I realize how pedantic this all sounds.)

Random knowledge here, but this fragment is quite similar to the main motive in John Carpenter's "Prince of Darkness" soundtrack.

Originally Posted by Mahlerian

In the tonal system, an F# in a melody centered on C should resolve to G as its leading tone, either as part of a V-of-V chord or a #ivdim, both preparing the dominant. If you want a specifically lydian flavor, harmonize it differently (like over a drone) and/or emphasize the motion of that F# to another note. Also, using plagal cadences rather than perfect tends to sound lydian or folk-like.

This one would feel like a tonal C major.
C major example.png

This one more a modal C lydian.
Lydian Example.png

(Excuse my poor part-writing)

wow thank you so much dude!

and how did you write the musical staff?

and any theory books you guys might be able to reccommend?

Originally Posted by CarterJohnsonPiano

^ Hey, I have MuseScore! When I go to university I will get Finale, but for now, MuseScore is good enough for simple transpositions...

My impression is that if you're going to get scorewriting software, Sibelius is the best. Anyway, I didn't mean to offend, and you're absolutely right that MuseScore is fine for what it does. It's just harder than it should be to do some things with it.