Overview
In order to be able to compose music for various instruments and have them all play together it's important to know what each instruments transposition is and how to write for them.
Voice Ranges |
Instrument Ranges |
Instrument Ranges of Transposing Instruments |
Instrument Ranges of Non-Transposing Instruments |
Transposing Instruments |
Review
Instruments and Voices
Voice ranges
In vocal and choral music four voice ranges are used. Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass.
Instrument ranges
Instrument ranges, transpositions, tone colors and general characteristics are crucial for every musician to know. It is important to memorize the transpositions and to know how various instruments sound together when composing music.
Instrument Ranges of Transposing Instruments
Transposing instruments sound a pitch other than the written pitch.
Instrument Ranges of Non-transposing Instruments
Nontransposing instruments sound a pitch that is the same as the written pitch.
Transposing Instruments
Transposing instruments sound a pitch other than the written pitch. Transposing instruments are in the key of Bb, Eb, or F.
Instrumental Bb Transposition
The following instruments have a Bb transposition. The written pitch sounds a M2 lower than written.
1. Clarinet
2. Bass Clarinet (sounds a Major 9th lower)
3. Trumpet
4. Coronet and Flugelhorn
5. Treble clef Euphonium
6. Soprano Saxophone
7. Tenor Saxophone
8. Bass Saxopone (sounds two octaves and a Major 2nd lower)
Instrumental Eb Transposition
The following instruments have an Eb transposition. The written pitch sounds a M6 lower than written.
1. Alto Saxophone
2. Baritone Saxophone
Instrumental F Transposition
The following instruments have an F transposition. The written pitch sounds a P5 lower than written.
