How to Find the Key of a Song
Upload Your File
Drag and drop any audio file (MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A) or video file into our key finder.
Harmonic Analysis
Our algorithm analyzes the harmonic content using the Krumhansl-Schmuckler key-finding algorithm.
Get Your Key
View the detected key, scale (major/minor), and Camelot code for easy DJ mixing.
Key Compatibility for Harmonic Mixing
Use this chart to find keys that mix well together. These are based on the Circle of Fifths and Camelot Wheel, essential tools for DJs doing harmonic mixing.
| Key | Camelot | Compatible Keys |
|---|---|---|
| C Major | 8B | G Major, F Major, A Minor, D Minor, E Minor |
| G Major | 9B | D Major, C Major, E Minor, A Minor, B Minor |
| D Major | 10B | A Major, G Major, B Minor, E Minor, F# Minor |
| A Major | 11B | E Major, D Major, F# Minor, B Minor, C# Minor |
| E Major | 12B | B Major, A Major, C# Minor, F# Minor, G# Minor |
| A Minor | 8A | E Minor, D Minor, C Major, G Major, F Major |
| E Minor | 9A | B Minor, A Minor, G Major, D Major, C Major |
| B Minor | 10A | F# Minor, E Minor, D Major, A Major, G Major |
Understanding Musical Keys
The key of a song refers to the group of pitches (scale) that form the harmonic foundation of the music. It determines which notes will sound consonant and which notes will create tension.
Major vs Minor Keys
- Major keys - Sound bright, happy, and uplifting. Examples: C Major, G Major, D Major
- Minor keys - Sound dark, sad, or mysterious. Examples: A Minor, E Minor, B Minor
The Camelot Wheel
The Camelot Wheel is a circular diagram that shows all 24 musical keys arranged by harmonic compatibility. Keys that are adjacent on the wheel mix well together. DJs use Camelot codes (like 8B for C Major) to quickly identify compatible songs.
Harmonic Mixing Tips
- Same key: Songs in the same key will always mix harmonically
- Adjacent keys: Move up or down one number on the Camelot Wheel (8B to 9B)
- Relative major/minor: Switch between A and B with the same number (8A to 8B)
- Energy boost: Moving up 7 semitones creates an uplifting effect
Frequently Asked Questions About Key Finding
What is the key of a song?
The key of a song refers to the group of pitches (scale) that form the basis of the music. It determines which notes sound "at home" in the song. For example, a song in C Major uses the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B.
What is the Camelot Wheel?
The Camelot Wheel is a visual tool used by DJs for harmonic mixing. It assigns a number and letter (like 8B for C Major) to each key. Keys that are adjacent on the wheel mix harmonically well together, making it easy to plan DJ sets.
What's the difference between major and minor keys?
Major keys generally sound happy, bright, and uplifting. Minor keys typically sound sad, dark, or mysterious. Both use 7 notes but in different patterns. Every major key has a relative minor that shares the same notes (C Major and A Minor, for example).
How accurate is key detection?
Our key finder uses the Krumhansl-Schmuckler algorithm, a scientifically proven method for key detection. Accuracy is typically 85-95% depending on the complexity of the song. Songs with clear harmonic content are detected most accurately.
What is harmonic mixing?
Harmonic mixing is a DJ technique where songs are mixed based on their musical key. By playing songs in compatible keys, transitions sound smoother and more musical. The Camelot Wheel helps DJs quickly identify which songs will mix well together.
Can I find the key of a YouTube video?
Yes! Download the audio from YouTube, then upload the MP3 or MP4 file to our key finder. We support video files directly, so you can upload the video without converting it first.