Key Detector
Estimate musical key and scale from a clip using chroma analysis — fully local.
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MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, OGG — processed locally, never uploaded
Estimated key
What it does
Musical key helps with harmonization, sampling, and DJ transitions. Key Detector estimates the most likely major or minor key from a clip by building a chroma profile (energy in each pitch class) and comparing it to classic major/minor templates such as Krumhansl–Schmuckler profiles. The method is transparent and local: an FFT-based chroma analysis followed by correlation with key profiles. It works best on harmonic material with a stable tonal center. Results are suggestions for practice and organization, not a substitute for careful listening on ambiguous or highly chromatic music.
How an audio key detector estimates key
A song’s key describes its tonal center and the major or minor scale that may organize its melody and harmony. Producers, instrumentalists, and DJs often use key estimates when arranging, practicing, sampling, or planning harmonic transitions.
This detector builds a chroma profile from the audio spectrum and compares the pitch-class energy with standard major and minor key templates. It works best on a clear melodic or harmonic passage. Drum-only audio, dense arrangements, modal music, and frequent key changes can produce uncertain or misleading estimates.
Get a more representative key estimate
For the clearest result, use a passage with sustained chords, a recognizable melody, or a stable harmonic center. A drum break, noisy transition, or very short one-note fragment may not contain enough pitch information for a confident estimate. Sections that modulate between keys can also produce competing results.
Key detection is especially helpful as a first reference when organizing samples, practicing songs, or exploring harmonic compatibility. Treat the result as a useful clue rather than an absolute label: modal, blues-based, or chromatic music may not fit neatly into a single major or minor profile.
How to use it
Choose a tonal section
Load a clip where chords or melody clearly outline a key. Avoid pure drums or noise-only segments.
Run key detection
Start analysis so the browser can compute chroma features and score major/minor profiles.
Inspect the top keys
The best-matching key is highlighted; nearby alternatives can appear when the music is ambiguous.
Combine with other tools
Use BPM Detector for tempo and Equalizer if the mix hides the harmonic content.
Tip: Analyze a few different sections if the song changes harmony. A chorus or verse with stable chords is often more informative than an intro or percussion-only break.
Questions about Key Detector
01What does “estimated key” mean?+
It is the profile with the highest correlation to the clip’s chroma. Modal music, modulations, or atonal passages may not fit a single label.
02Major vs minor — how is that decided?+
Separate templates for major and minor modes are scored. The highest score wins.
03Will a short sample work?+
A few clear bars are often enough. Very short fragments may be unstable.
04Is this Camelot/Open Key notation?+
The tool reports standard key names (for example, A minor). Mapping to DJ wheel systems can be done manually.