MUS 175

Transposition and properties of

common instruments

Soprano Sax Bb instrument

When a Soprano Sax player plays a written
pitch, the actual sound that rings is a
MAJOR SECOND lower compared to the
written note. To create a chart for a soprano
player, transpose the concert chart UP A
MAJOR SECOND.

Alto Sax Eb instrument

When a Alto Sax player plays a written pitch, the actual sound
that rings is a MAJOR SIXTH lower compared to the written
note. To create a chart for an Alto player, transpose the
concert chart UP A MAJOR SIXTH.

Tenor Sax Bb instrument

Tenor Sax Bb instrument. When a Tenor Sax player

plays a written pitch, the actual sound that rings is a MAJOR

NINTH lower compared to the written note. To create a
chart for a Tenor player, transpose the concert chart UP A
MAJOR NINTH.

Baritone Sax Eb instrument

When a Baritone Sax player plays a written pitch, the actual

sound that rings is a MAJOR THIRTEENTH lower compared
to the written note. To create a chart for a Baritone player,
transpose the concert chart UP A MAJOR THIRTEENTH
(Octave plus a major six)

Trumpet/Fluegelhorn
When a Trumpet player plays a written pitch, the actual

sound that rings is a MAJOR SECOND lower compared to

the written note. To create a chart for a trumpet player,
transpose the concert chart UP A MAJOR SECOND

Rhythm section

Piano:

non transposing, sounds as written

Guitar
When a Guitar player plays a written pitch, the actual sound

that rings is an OCTAVE lower compared to the written

note. To create a chart for a Guitar player, transpose the
concert chart UP ONE OCTAVE

Bass (upright or electric)

When a Bass player plays a written pitch, the actual sound

that rings is an OCTAVE lower compared to the written

note. To create a chart for a Bass player, transpose the concert
chart UP ONE OCTAVE

Strategy
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.

Transpose the key signature

Transpose the chords
Analyze the notes with regard to their function in relation to the
chord (chord tone, scale tone, chromatic leading or passing
tone). Ask yourself what the line is actually doing e.g.: . .
going up scalar from root to the fifth, chromatic leading note
into the 6, resolving into the major 6 . . , over chord Cmin6
Transpose the first note
Write the rest of the line over the new chord ( . . going up
scalar from root to the fifth, chromatic leading note into the 6,
resolving into the major 6 . . , over chord Amin6

.: . . going up scalar from root to the fifth, chromatic leading note into the 6, resolving into the major 6 . . ,
over chord Cmin6 . .
. . going up scalar from root to the fifth, chromatic leading note into the 6, resolving into the major 6 . . ,
over chord Amin6 . .