Actually, my range is pretty limited. I can vocalize from a low D off the bass side of the fingerboard (sometimes C below that on a foggy day), and up to the E, 1st string open, or on a clear day, an F. But the notes out on the rim of my particular galaxy don't necessarily sound all that great. My best sounding range lies pretty much between G (6th string 3rd fret) up to around Bb, B (open 2nd), or middle C. That ain't very wide.   If I'm really well practiced and warmed up, I can count on middle C sounding fairly decent and the D above being at least tolerable.

I do "Jock o' Hazeldean" in A, which starts me on A (just below middle C) and takes me down to a low E. If I'm feeling feisty and I've taken my vitamins, I might capo up one fret (makes it key of Bb). The middle C wouldn't work for me unless it were someplace a bit more into the song. But as an opening note, I can't really count on it not sounding like I suddenly sat on a tack. Another nasty spot is on the word "Lady" in the line "And ye shall be his bride, Lady," where you have to sing the high note on an "ee" vowel. Not even Luciano Pavarotti likes to do that! Bad vowel to have to sustain a decent tone on.

A few times I've started "Jock o'Hazeldean" on an E ("Why weep" both on the same note) and so far no one has looked at me funny, so I can at least get the song under way before I have to get serious and bear down a bit.

But I can sing the songs Gordon Bok does in the same keys he does them in.

Don Firth