Transposing Instruments Basics

What note do we hear if we ask a transposing instrument to play a C? That depends on the instrument. In most cases the name
of the instrument gives us the answer. For example, a B flat clarinet. We a hear a Bb when a clarinet in Bb plays a C.
In the next table you can see the most common transposing instruments. In the 2 nd column we show the written note while in
the 3rd column you can see the note that we would hear when that note is played. In the Transposition column you can see the
transposing interval. Note that it can be ascending or descending depending on the instrument.
Instrument

WrittenNote

RealNote

Transposition

AltoFlute
(G)

Perfect4th
Descending

EnglishHorn

Perfect5th
Descending

ClarinetinBb

Major2nd
Descending

ClarinetinA

Minor3rd
Descending

ClarinetinEb

Minor3rd
Ascending

BassClarinet
(Bb)

Major9th
Descending

Soprano
Saxophone(Bb)

Major2nd
Descending

AltoSaxophone
(Eb)

Major6th
Descending

TenorSaxophone
(Bb)

Major9th
Descending

Baritone
Saxophone(Eb)

Major6th
+1octave
Descending

TrumpetinBb

Major2nd
Descending

HorninF

Perfect5th
Descending