Music theory > Lessons > Pitch of sounds > Transposition > Transposing instruments

Transposing instruments

A transposing instrument is an instrument for which the written music notes sound differently from the notes heard.

The rule to remember

When an instrument in [XXX] plays a C then we hear a [XXX] in concert pitch.

Examples:
- When a clarinet in B♭ plays a DO then we hear a B♭ in concert pitch.
- When a E♭ saxophone plays a DO then we hear a E♭ in concert pitch.
- When a horn in F plays a DO then we hear a F in concert pitch.

The term concert pitch is used to distinguish between the written, and the sounding notes of a transposing instrument.

Example of transposing instruments

Below are one non-transposing instrument (flute) and tree transposing instruments (Clarinet in B♭, alto saxophone in E♭ and horn in F). All these 4 parts sound exactly the same but are written differently:

List of most common transposing instruments

Here is a list of most common transposing instruments and of none-transposing instruments:

Transposing instruments in C

Sounding 2 octaves upper than written

- Glockenspiel
- Crotales

Sounding 1 octave upper than written

- Piccolo
- Sopranino recorder
- Soprano recorder
- Bass recorder
- Celesta
- Xylophone

Non-transposing instruments (sounding as written)

- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Harp
- Piano
- Harpsichord
- Flute
- Tenor recorder
- Oboe
- Bassoon
- Trombone
- C trumpet

Sounding 1 octave lower than written

- Tenor (voice) (if octave clef is not used)
- Guitar (if octave clef is not used)
- Bass guitar
- Banjo
- Double bass
- Bass flute
- Contrabassoon
- Double bass