Dumb Question about first time jamming in a band

[newbie2015]

Hi, all the experts here. I have a question about jamming in a band. I see people jam like so pro and I wonder whether they actually transpose the key of the song on the spot or what. If I just learnt a song, eg. Smoke on the Water and I play like what I hear from the album, then when jamming, the singer say the key too low so we need to up the key. How sia ? I don't think a Capo is useful here if I am playing an electric guitar ?

 

[stlee2015]

no expert, but if you play like from the album, then it is original key, so which singer sings higher than the original key for smoke on the water ?
So think need to change the singer rather than try to tune down ur guitar imho

 

[CuscoOthriyas]

Hi, all the experts here. I have a question about jamming in a band. I see people jam like so pro and I wonder whether they actually transpose the key of the song on the spot or what. If I just learnt a song, eg. Smoke on the Water and I play like what I hear from the album, then when jamming, the singer say the key too low so we need to up the key. How sia ? I don't think a Capo is useful here if I am playing an electric guitar ?

You just move all the notes down the neck. If you're playing barre chords, everything is played the same, just lower down on the neck. If you can't or are not using barre chords, then yes, you use the capo. That's exactly what a capo is for. There are universal capos out there for electrics and acoustic. Whoever told you that electrics can't use capos should have their mouths sewn shut for spreading disinformation.

 

[RayKnight]

Use a capo. If higher, then you can easily do what Cusco suggested or just use a capo and play from there. Or alternatively, if you're versed in music theory, you can then change the chords accordingly to suit the key.

 

[philcolly]

no worry just jam
no problem one