Skip to main content

Transposing

Transposition changes the key of your music while keeping the melodic relationships intact.

Quick Transpose

In the Edit Studio:

  1. Find Key in the sidebar
  2. Select a new key from the dropdown
  3. 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:

KeySharps/Flats
C major / A minorNone
G major / E minor1 sharp (F#)
D major / B minor2 sharps (F#, C#)
F major / D minor1 flat (Bb)
Bb major / G minor2 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