Transposing
Transposition changes the key of your music while keeping the melodic relationships intact.
Quick Transpose
In the Edit Studio:
- Find Key in the sidebar
- Select a new key from the dropdown
- Your music instantly transposes
All notes shift by the same interval, preserving the melody.
Octave Transpose
Shift the entire piece up or down an octave:
- +8va - Move everything up one octave (12 semitones)
- -8va - Move everything down one octave (12 semitones)
This is useful when:
- The range is too high or low for your instrument
- You want to play in a more comfortable register
- Combining with another instrument in a different octave
Why Transpose?
Common reasons to change key:
For Singers
Adjust to match your vocal range. If the melody is too high, transpose down a few steps.
For Instruments
- Match a transposing instrument (Bb clarinet, Eb alto sax)
- Play in an easier key (fewer sharps/flats)
- Match another musician's instrument
For Arranging
When combining instruments, you may need to transpose parts to work together.
Key Signature Reference
Each key signature has a certain number of sharps or flats:
| Key | Sharps/Flats |
|---|---|
| C major / A minor | None |
| G major / E minor | 1 sharp (F#) |
| D major / B minor | 2 sharps (F#, C#) |
| F major / D minor | 1 flat (Bb) |
| Bb major / G minor | 2 flats (Bb, Eb) |
Circle of Fifths
For a visual guide to keys and their relationships, try our free Transposition Tool which includes an interactive Circle of Fifths.
Tips
- Minor keys transpose to minor keys (e.g., A minor → C minor)
- Major keys transpose to major keys (e.g., C major → G major)
- If something sounds wrong after transposing, check for accidentals that may need adjustment