keys

[spawn_02116]

hey...can any one tell me what exactly a 'key' is? what is teh key of c major? how different is a key from a scale? id appreciate it if someone could help me out. - thanx

[cyberfret]

A key consists of a group of notes and the chords derived from that group of notes. A key also has one primary note and one primary chord that is build from that note. All other notes and chords are heard in relationship to this primary note/chord. This primary note is the key center, or tonal center. The group of notes that is used in a key is called a scale.

Here is a lesson on major keys that you could check out.
http://www.cyberfret.com/theory/major-key-harmony/index.php

--Shawn