How can I find what key I sing in?

Question:I am a pretty experienced musician. I've been playing guitar and bass for about 10 years now, and I understand theory but trying to find my best key is too difficult using my guitar because I'll play chord progressions in every key and see what feels the most natural but I notice I don't sing naturally when I'm thinking about this. I know there is windows software out there where you sing into the mic and it helps you find your best key, I use a mac and unfourtionately can't find any apple software. any help? thanks

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am a pretty experienced musician. I've been playing guitar and bass for about 10 years now, and I understand theory but trying to find my best key is too difficult using my guitar because I'll play chord progressions in every key and see what feels the most natural but I notice I don't sing naturally when I'm thinking about this. I know there is windows software out there where you sing into the mic and it helps you find your best key, I use a mac and unfourtionately can't find any apple software. any help? thanks

I am a professional vocal director, and have a Masters degree in Theory. There is NO one right answer here - because every song is different. You might find that the key of G suits you when you sing Amazing Grace, and that the key of C suits you for Danny Boy - because each song has a different tessitura (range). I have keyboard skills that enable me to transpose most songs immediately at the piano, as a singer needs them. Pros will TELL me what key they need (they SHOULD bring in the music in the right key!!) but amateurs often need more support. I can hear if they are in need of a gentle suggestion to move to another key - and I can do it without their getting their undies in a knot.

So, as you build your repertoire, you may want to jot down what key you sing each sing in. For example, I play at a lot of holiday parties, and do not need to take MUSIC to all the Christmas stuff (although Chestnuts has some odd things in the bridge in some keys!). But I DO take a list with optimal keys with me - having figured out beforehand just what will fit most drunks - sorry, most clients employing me.

You do not need any software - trust me, I own tons with pitch-to-MIDI conversion, etc. It's all about your EAR. Perhaps YOU can sing, and someone ELSE can find you key - write it down for each song - and then hand it back to you. It is NOT EASY to do both at the same time!