Reference
Transposition Chart
How 26 transposing instruments read and sound — B♭, A, E♭, F, G and octave transpositions — with the interval to convert from concert pitch.
| Instrument | Key | Written C5 sounds | Relationship | Concert → written |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contrabass Clarinet | B♭ | B♭2 | Sounds a two octaves + major second lower than written | Transpose up 26 semitones |
| Baritone Saxophone | E♭ | E♭3 | Sounds a octave + major sixth lower than written | Transpose up 21 semitones |
| Bass Clarinet | B♭ | B♭3 | Sounds a major ninth lower than written | Transpose up 14 semitones |
| Tenor Saxophone | B♭ | B♭3 | Sounds a major ninth lower than written | Transpose up 14 semitones |
| Bass Flute | C | C4 | Sounds a octave lower than written | Transpose up 12 semitones |
| Contrabassoon | C | C4 | Sounds a octave lower than written | Transpose up 12 semitones |
| Double Bass | C | C4 | Sounds a octave lower than written | Transpose up 12 semitones |
| Guitar | C | C4 | Sounds a octave lower than written | Transpose up 12 semitones |
| Bass Guitar | C | C4 | Sounds a octave lower than written | Transpose up 12 semitones |
| Alto Clarinet | E♭ | E♭4 | Sounds a major sixth lower than written | Transpose up 9 semitones |
| Alto Saxophone | E♭ | E♭4 | Sounds a major sixth lower than written | Transpose up 9 semitones |
| Basset Horn | F | F4 | Sounds a perfect fifth lower than written | Transpose up 7 semitones |
| English Horn | F | F4 | Sounds a perfect fifth lower than written | Transpose up 7 semitones |
| French Horn | F | F4 | Sounds a perfect fifth lower than written | Transpose up 7 semitones |
| Alto Flute | G | G4 | Sounds a perfect fourth lower than written | Transpose up 5 semitones |
| A Clarinet | A | A4 | Sounds a minor third lower than written | Transpose up 3 semitones |
| Oboe d'amore | A | A4 | Sounds a minor third lower than written | Transpose up 3 semitones |
| B♭ Clarinet | B♭ | B♭4 | Sounds a major second lower than written | Transpose up 2 semitones |
| Soprano Saxophone | B♭ | B♭4 | Sounds a major second lower than written | Transpose up 2 semitones |
| Trumpet | B♭ | B♭4 | Sounds a major second lower than written | Transpose up 2 semitones |
| E♭ Clarinet | E♭ | E♭5 | Sounds a minor third higher than written | Transpose down 3 semitones |
| Piccolo | C | C6 | Sounds a octave higher than written | Transpose down 12 semitones |
| Soprano Recorder | C | C6 | Sounds a octave higher than written | Transpose down 12 semitones |
| Tin Whistle | D | C6 | Sounds a octave higher than written | Transpose down 12 semitones |
| Xylophone | C | C6 | Sounds a octave higher than written | Transpose down 12 semitones |
| Glockenspiel | C | C7 | Sounds a two octaves higher than written | Transpose down 24 semitones |
Rules of thumb
- B♭ instruments (clarinet, trumpet, soprano sax): write a whole step higher than concert pitch and add two sharps to the key signature (or remove two flats).
- E♭ alto instruments (alto sax, alto clarinet): write a major sixth higher — or a minor third lower — and add three sharps.
- F instruments (horn, English horn): write a perfect fifth higher and add one sharp.
- A clarinet: write a minor third higher and add three flats (remove three sharps).
- Octave transposers (piccolo, guitar, double bass, tenor sax adds a ninth): the key signature does not change.
Do it automatically with the transposition calculator, or learn the why in our guide.