Transposing instruments
A transposing instrument is an instrument for which the written 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
Transposing instruments in E♭
Written C4, sounding E♭4
- E♭ clarinet
- E♭ trumpet
- Soprano cornet
- Sopranino saxophone
Written C4, sounding E♭3
- Alto saxophone
- Tenor horn
Written C4, sounding E♭2
- Baritone saxophone
Transposing instruments in F
Written C4, sounding F3
- English horn
- Horn (new notation)
- Wagner tuba (new notation)
- Basset horn
Transposing instruments in G
Written C4, sounding G4
- Treble flute
Written C4, sounding G3
- Alto flute
Transposing instruments in A
Written C4, sounding A3
- Soprano clarinet (clarinet in A)
Transposing instruments in B♭
Written C4, sounding B♭3
- B♭ clarinet
- Soprano saxophone
- B♭ Trumpet
- Cornet
- Flugelhorn
- Bass clarinet (when bass clef is used for German notation)
- B♭ marching horn
Written C4, sounding B♭2
- Bass clarinet (when treble clef is used in French notation)
- Tenor saxophone
- Euphonium (when written in treble clef)
Written C4, sounding B♭1
- Bass saxophone
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