Hey Friend,
I have to say I'm stuck on the Wings song "Bluebird." I'm scratching my head over the key, and wondering about the choice. Maybe I shouldn't question genius, and perhaps it's that I just don't understand the process well enough yet (much more likely, if I'm being honest).
Whatever the case, from what I can tell the song is written in the key of Eb (E flat). But here's the kicker. I wonder if it modulates (changes) between two keys.
Turns out I'm not far off. According to author Vincent Benitez (The Words and Music of Paul McCartney; March 2010), the song is in the key of F major, but looks like Eb major because of the way the guitars were tuned. That explains why it looks like Eb, because my guitar is tuned in E standard.
It's times like these when I wish I had more musical training. For all I know this is standard stuff every first year music major learns. But I have a feeling this type of knowledge is only learned through a constant immersion in music and experimentation - two things I don't think any of us have the luxury of.
So here's what it looks like from standard tuning perspective. The key of Eb is the following chords:
Eb Fm Gm Ab Bb Cm D°
Based on the chord chart I found on Songsterr and playing along, the chords seem to be fairly accurate (although I might use minor 7 chords during the verses).
As you can see from the chords listed, they aren't straight up major key chords. We've got major, minor and dominant 7 chords to contend with, as well as 6 chords, which I haven't talked about much.
I shouldn't be surprised that the tuning isn't standard, and transposing it to make it work with standard tuning makes the chords a bit strange. Since most of us rockers are used to dealing with straight major and minor chords, it might take you a little out of the comfort zone, but stretching is good for you. Seeing the diversity of chords you can use to accomplish different harmonies is good exposure.
If you're still working to get comfortable with regular open major and minor chords, these will be a challenge. Don't get hung up on them. I'm only pointing it out to help expand your familiarity with all the possibilities you have available to you.
Alright, I've used up enough of your Saturday. Talk to ya tomorrow.
Peace~
Dave | 
