Drop any audio file into BeatKey and get the musical key, BPM, and Camelot code in seconds. No DAW plugin, no account, no server uploads.
Detect Sample Key FreeSamples in the wrong key clash with your bassline and melody. Finding the key first prevents dissonant, unprofessional-sounding beats.
Once you know the sample key, you can pitch it up or down by the exact number of semitones to match your track without guessing.
DJs use Camelot codes to mix tracks that share keys or adjacent keys. The same logic applies to layering samples in a beat.
Upload any audio file and get the key and BPM detected automatically using audio analysis. Works on unreleased samples, loops, stems, and any file not in a database.
For samples with clear chords (soul samples, R&B loops, jazz cuts), detecting the chord progression reveals the key. A progression in Am-Dm-Em is in A minor.
If you prefer to work inside your DAW, drag the sample into the Piano Roll and look for the dominant note clusters. The note that most melodic content returns to is likely the tonic.
This method is slower and requires a trained ear. BeatKey automates the same analysis in 2 seconds.
Count semitones between the sample key and your target key. Use the BeatKey Key Transposer at beatkey.app/key-transposer. In your DAW, adjust pitch by that number of semitones.
Key Transposer →Use the Camelot code from BeatKey to find other samples in the same key (same Camelot number) or adjacent compatible keys (+1 or -1 step). These blend harmonically without clashing.
Camelot Wheel →Once you know the key, look up the scale notes to write a melody or bassline that fits. Use scales.beatkey.app to see all notes in any key across 18 scales including major, minor, Dorian, and Phrygian.
Scale Finder →If the sample has chords, use chords.beatkey.app to detect the exact chord progression. This lets you recreate the progression with new instruments or build on top of the sample harmonically.
Chord Finder →The most commonly sampled music is in minor keys. Here are the most common sample keys and what to do with them.
| Key | Camelot | Common In | Compatible Keys | Semitones to C minor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A minor | 8A | Hip-hop, lo-fi, soul | 8B (C major), 7A (D minor), 9A (E minor) | +3 |
| D minor | 7A | Hip-hop, boom bap, soul | 7B (F major), 6A (G minor), 8A (A minor) | +2 |
| C minor | 5A | Trap, R&B, neo-soul | 5B (Eb major), 4A (F minor), 6A (G minor) | 0 |
| G minor | 6A | Funk, soul, R&B | 6B (Bb major), 5A (C minor), 7A (D minor) | +7 |
| F minor | 4A | R&B, neo-soul, jazz | 4B (Ab major), 3A (Bb minor), 5A (C minor) | +5 |
| E minor | 9A | Rock samples, lo-fi | 9B (G major), 8A (A minor), 10A (B minor) | +4 |
| B minor | 10A | Indie, pop samples | 10B (D major), 9A (E minor), 11A (F# minor) | +11 |
| C major | 8B | Pop, gospel, soul | 8A (A minor), 7B (F major), 9B (G major) | N/A |
Enable pitch correction in the Channel Sampler for more natural pitch shifts.
Set the Root Note in Simpler to the detected key note for pitch-accurate playback across the keyboard.
Use the Pitch Correction setting in Quick Sampler to auto-correct off-key notes to the detected scale.
GarageBand does not have BPM or key detection. Use BeatKey first, then return to GarageBand with the key information.
BeatKey
Detect BPM + Key + Camelot code from the sample
Key Transposer
Calculate semitones to pitch sample to your target key
Chord Finder
Detect the chord progression to recreate or build on it
Scale Finder
Look up scale notes to write a melody that fits the key
Delay Calculator
Set BPM-synced delay and reverb pre-delay times
Upload it to beatkey.app. The tool uses Essentia.js audio analysis to detect the musical key in seconds. No account or server upload needed. Works with MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, and most common audio formats.
Yes. BeatKey works entirely in your browser and requires no DAW, no plugin, and no software installation. Just go to beatkey.app and drop your file onto the page.
Some DAWs (like Ableton Live 12) detect key from metadata rather than audio analysis, which can be wrong for samples or unreleased music. BeatKey always analyzes the actual audio content, which is more reliable for samples and loops without embedded metadata.
A minor (8A) to C minor (5A) is 3 semitones down. Use beatkey.app/key-transposer to calculate any transposition instantly. In FL Studio, set the Channel Sampler pitch to -300 cents. In Ableton, set Simpler transpose to -3.
Yes. BeatKey analyzes any audio file including full mixes, stems (just the melody, just the bass), acapellas, loops, and one-shots. Files without enough tonal content (like pure drum loops) may not return an accurate key.
Everything you need to analyze, flip, and build with samples. All free, all browser-based.