A transposing instrument is an instrument whose parts, unlike a piano, are written in a different notation from the actual note they produce. Some examples of instruments that fall into this category are the clarinet, tenor saxophone and trumpet. This article will teach you how to transpose music into the key of C, for instruments in B b.
Steps
Step 1. Learn the transposition applied to your instrument:
- Trumpet and Cornet
- Tenor Saxophone
- Clarinet
Step 2. You need to know which key you are going to transpose
When a pianist reads a C on the score, the note we hear is "actually" a C. Conversely, when a trumpet player plays a C which he reads on the score, the note we "hear" is a B flat. In order for the music to sound good (and to ease the tension within the band) it is necessary to write the scores for the transposing instruments so that to the ear it seems that the trumpeter and the pianist are playing in the same key.
Step 3. Start with the key signature
An instrument in B flat plays a lower pitch than the notes written on the score, it will be necessary to raise all the notes that this instrument will have to play by one pitch. The easiest way to do this is to start typing using the correct key signature for which instrument.
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For example, if the piano score is written in the key of B flat, the score for the trumpet will be written in the key of C.
Transposing instrument -
Similarly, if the piano score is written in the key of C, the key for the trumpet will be D.
Transposing instrument key of D
Step 4. A useful tool is provided below
To find the right key to transpose the score for a B flat instrument, start with the key of the non-transposing instruments, add a tone and find the right key in the diagram below.
- For example, if the concerto is written in the key of G, find the key of G Major on the diagram. Note that there is a sharp, the F sharp. One tone above G we find A. Look for A Major on the diagram and you will see that it has three sharps: F sharp, C sharp and G sharp.
- In some cases you will go from flat to sharp and vice versa. For example, if the key for the concert is F major, which has a B flat, one tone higher we will have the key of G, which includes an F sharp.
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Remember not to just change the pitch, but write the notes one tone higher.
Flat to sharp 1
Method 1 of 1: Transpose using musical keys
Step 1. If you can read Tenor / Alto clefs, you can use your knowledge to help transpose the melody
Step 2. Begin by writing the melody one octave lower in the key of Tenor
Step 3. Replace the Tenor clef with the Treble clef, placing the clef where it should be
Step 4. Add two sharps to the clef as above
Step 5. This technique allows you to read and transpose on the fly if you know the Tenor clef
Advice
- Practice makes perfect.
- Don't be afraid to ask a musician for advice.
- You can always determine in what key you will play by adding two sharps to the key signature in which the music is written. For example, if the music is written in E flat major (three flats in armor), you will play in the key of F major (one flat in armor). Adding a sharp is equivalent to subtracting a flat.
- If you prefer, you can write the twelve notes from C to B, then write the notes of the key you are trying to transpose next to them, starting with C. When you get to the end, start over so that you write all the notes of the second key, from C to C. The notes will not match, but you will have built a table that will be useful for you.
- If you know the song you are playing well and are able to play by ear, you may be able to perform the song by playing the score one tone above.
- Remember that the above applies to all B flat instruments, including some trumpets, clarinets, soprano and tenor saxophones.
- Pay attention to the transposition of the octaves on each instrument. For example, a tenor saxophone plays a major ninth interval (one octave plus one tone) lower than what you read on the score.
Sources
- The Professional Arranger / Composer by Russell Garcia
- The Harper Dictionary of Music
- Music Notation-A Manual of Modern Practice by Gardner Read
