here's the dumb question of the day.  
how do you call the key on those tunes that don't really have one, like 'tune up' or 'giant steps'?

thanks!
There are 14 comments, leave a comment.
i think it's a good question - especially since the fake books do not show key signatures for those tunes.

it seems to me that giant steps is mainly in eb and tune up is basically in d.  however these are such standard tunes, it's usually not an issue.  sometimes it helps to clarify the starting pitch or chord if you're going to play these ambiguous tonality tunes in non-standard keys.

so there is my dumb answer to a dumb question:)
i guess some would argue that giant steps is in b, but to me it seems to rest on eb
thanks doc,  

i figured i'd use the starting pitch...
giant steps is generally perceived to be in eb.  on a gig just calling that tune usually gets you some nasty looks.  try calling it in any other key and see if you live to see another day.  call out giant steps in bb and count it off and you should get a few laughs from most ensembles.  most people do not call a key when they call steps. record key is assumed if you are insane enought to call it on a gig in the first place.   lol  you call giant steps in the key of f# do  you?
i have found that lightly playing the first five notes of giant steps or the first six notes of aqualung usually gets some giggles on gigs
lol,  ya but slightly different types of laughs.
my new years resolution:
   next to the sign i put up front stage at gigs that reads:
"no stairway"  i am going to add one that reads: "no steps".
yah i take request but no stairway and no steps.
oh and no kenny and no barry.
i suppose if the other band members need to know the key giant steps is in, it's probably wise to play something else.
also note that the nashville hand signals for calling keys is by use of fingers up or down (or by calling out phrases like "three up" ["a major"]):

g major = index finger up ("one up")
d major = index and middle finger up  ("two up")
a major = index, middle and ring finger up ("three up")
e major = index, middle, ring and pinky finger up ("four up")
b major = thumb, index, middle, ring and pinky finger up ("five up")
f# major = thumb, index, middle, ring, pinky and middle finger of the other hand up (because nobody likes playing in f#! lol)

the flat keys are the same but the fingers point down. however, i've never seen those used at a country gig because nobody ever plays c&w in flat keys <g>
i've never played a country gig when anyone knew what a key signature was.
speaking of calling the keys i could use a gig there right now it just snowed 8" here on cape cod and is 9 degrees out to start 2009.
and no rhapsody in blue
c'mon, guys, such a glaring omission
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