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Guide to Transposing Instruments

The document discusses transposing instruments and how their sounding pitch differs from their written pitch. It provides examples of how to transpose melodies for various instruments including clarinet in B-flat, clarinet in A, French horn, alto saxophone in E-flat, piccolo, and double bass. It notes that for transposing instruments, the key signature, accidentals, and notes of a melody need to be changed to match the new transposed pitch of the instrument.

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Luke Vella
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88 views3 pages

Guide to Transposing Instruments

The document discusses transposing instruments and how their sounding pitch differs from their written pitch. It provides examples of how to transpose melodies for various instruments including clarinet in B-flat, clarinet in A, French horn, alto saxophone in E-flat, piccolo, and double bass. It notes that for transposing instruments, the key signature, accidentals, and notes of a melody need to be changed to match the new transposed pitch of the instrument.

Uploaded by

Luke Vella
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Clarinet in A
  • Clarinet in B-flat and Trumpet in B-flat
  • Piccolo
  • Double Bass
  • Alto Saxophone in E-flat
  • French Horn and Cor Anglais
  • Concert Pitch Instruments

Transposing Instruments

Transposing Instruments
1. Clarinet in B-flat and Trumpet in B-flat

Concert pitch to transposing pitch UP a major second


Sounding pitch to transposing pitch DOWN a major second

Important to change:

 Key signature
 Accidentals
 Notes

E.g. Transpose this melody in concert pitch, up a tone for clarinet in B-flat

2. Clarinet in A

Concert pitch to transposing pitch UP a minor third


Sounding pitch to transposing pitch DOWN a minor third

Important to change:

 Key signature
 Accidentals
 Notes

E.g. Transpose this melody in concert pitch, up a tone for clarinet in A

Transposition:

Page 1 of 3
Transposing Instruments

3. French Horn and Cor Anglais

Concert pitch to transposing pitch UP a perfect 5th


Sounding pitch to transposing pitch DOWN a perfect 5th

Important to change:

 Key signature
 Accidentals
 Notes

E.g. Transpose this melody in concert pitch, down a perfect 5th for Horn in F

4. Alto Saxophone in E-flat

Concert pitch to transposing pitch DOWN a minor third


Sounding pitch to transposing pitch UP a minor third

E.g. Transpose this melody in concert pitch, up a major 6th for Alto Saxophone in E-flat

5. Piccolo

Concert pitch to transposing pitch UP an octave


Sounding pitch to transposing pitch DOWN an octave

This instrument is in concert pitch, but is sounds an octave higher.

6. Double Bass

Concert pitch to transposing pitch DOWN an octave


Sounding pitch to transposing pitch UP an octave

This instrument is in concert pitch, but is sounds an octave lower.


Page 2 of 3
Transposing Instruments

7. Concert Pitch Instruments

 Flute  Violins
 Oboe  Violas
 Bassoon  Cello
 Trombone  Piano
 Tuba  Harp

Page 3 of 3

Transposing Instruments Page 1 of 3 Transposing Instruments 1. Clarinet in B-flat and Trumpet in B-flat Concert p
Transposing Instruments Page 2 of 3 3. French Horn and Cor Anglais Concert pitch to transposing pitch UP a perfect
Transposing Instruments Page 3 of 3 7. Concert Pitch Instruments  Flute  Oboe  Bassoon  Trombone  Tuba

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