Transposition
Move music to a new key, and read parts for transposing instruments. · 15 min
What transposition is
Transposing moves every note by the same interval. The melody, rhythm and chord relationships stay identical; only the pitch level changes. Singers ask for it constantly ('can you play it a tone lower?').
Method: 1) pick the interval (C → D = up a major 2nd). 2) write the new key signature. 3) move every note the same number of LETTERS (staff positions). 4) check accidentals that weren't in the key — raise or lower them in the same way.
Transposing instruments
Some instruments read notes that sound at a different pitch. A B♭ clarinet or trumpet playing a written C sounds B♭ — a major 2nd lower. So their parts are written a major 2nd HIGHER than concert pitch.
F horn: written C sounds F, a perfect 5th lower. Alto sax (E♭): written C sounds E♭, a major 6th lower. Reading a full score at the piano means transposing these parts on the fly.
| Instrument | Written C sounds |
|---|---|
| B♭ clarinet, B♭ trumpet, tenor sax | B♭ (major 2nd lower; tenor sax + octave) |
| F horn, cor anglais | F (perfect 5th lower) |
| E♭ alto sax | E♭ (major 6th lower) |
| Piccolo | C (octave higher) |
| Guitar, double bass | C (octave lower) |
Check yourself
You'll see immediately whether each answer is right, and why.
C–E–G transposed up a major 2nd becomes…