Instrument Transposition Calculator
Transpose music between concert pitch and transposing instruments.
Convert notes for Bb, Eb, and F instruments like trumpet, saxophone, and horn.
A transposing instrument is one that produces a different pitch than written. When a trumpet player reads a written C, they produce a Bb concert pitch. This is why musicians must transpose when sharing parts or writing for mixed ensembles.
Common transposing instruments and their intervals:
| Instrument | Transposes | When you write C, they sound |
|---|---|---|
| Concert pitch (piano, flute, violin) | None | C |
| Bb trumpet / cornet | Up major 2nd | Bb |
| Bb clarinet | Up major 2nd | Bb |
| Bb soprano sax | Up major 2nd | Bb |
| Bb tenor sax | Up major 9th (octave + 2nd) | Bb (lower octave) |
| Eb alto sax | Up major 6th | Eb |
| Eb baritone sax | Up major 13th | Eb (lower octave) |
| F horn (French horn) | Up perfect 5th | F |
| Eb alto clarinet | Up major 6th | Eb |
How to transpose:
- Concert → Bb instrument: raise the written note by a major 2nd (2 semitones)
- Concert → Eb instrument: raise by a major 6th (9 semitones)
- Concert → F instrument: raise by a perfect 5th (7 semitones)
- Bb instrument → Concert: lower by a major 2nd
Key signatures also change: When transposing, key signatures shift by the same interval. A concert piece in C major is written in D major for a Bb trumpet. A concert piece in F major is written in G major for a Bb clarinet.
Tip for arrangers: Always think in concert pitch when composing, then transpose each instrument’s part separately. DAWs and notation software (Sibelius, Finale, MuseScore) can transpose automatically — but understanding the theory helps catch errors.
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