Transpose for alto sax
The E-flat alto sax sounds a major sixth below its written notes. To transpose for alto sax from concert pitch, raise the written part nine semitones: concert C becomes written A, and concert B-flat becomes written G.
Concert → written alto sax
The E-flat alto sax sounds a major sixth below its written notes.
| Concert pitch | Written alto (+9) |
|---|---|
| C | A |
| Db | Bb |
| D | B |
| Eb | C |
| E | Db |
| F | D |
| Gb | Eb |
| G | E |
| Ab | F |
| A | Gb |
| Bb | G |
| B | Ab |
How to use it
- Check that your source is in concert pitch.
- Paste chords and confirm the original key in Settings.
- Keep +9 semitones for concert → alto.
- Copy the output and check one note against the piano.
Help and explanations
Paste chord symbols from a concert-pitch piano or guitar sheet. These symbols show pitch classes without octaves. The transposer helps convert the harmony; it does not read staff notation, write the melody or choose a playable saxophone register.
Check the direction
For written alto → concert pitch, use −9 semitones. A +3 shift gives the same chord pitch classes, but a written melodic line must also use the appropriate octave.
A B-flat trumpet part is already transposed. Convert it down two semitones to concert pitch, then up nine for alto: the chord-name difference is +7. Tenor saxophone also requires attention to its octave. These shortcuts are about note names, not complete arrangements.
Using the chart at rehearsal
The table maps each concert pitch class to its written alto name. Spellings may change with the key signature, such as C-sharp and D-flat. Check the original key and the automatic accidentals before copying a long passage.
Match the ensemble’s sounding pitch with the alto sax tuner. Chord symbols and a concert-pitch score are useful references, but rhythms, articulations and range still belong in the written part.
Tips
- Confirm concert versus written pitch first.
- Do not transpose an alto part a second time.
- The guitar capo calculator is unnecessary for saxophone parts.
Frequently asked questions
Transposing for alto sax from concert pitch
Write a major sixth higher, or +9 semitones. Concert C becomes written A.
Transpose chart for alto sax
The static chart maps all twelve concert pitch classes to written alto notes.
Transpose alto sax to piano
For alto → concert-pitch piano, subtract nine semitones.
Transpose alto sax to trumpet
In chord pitch classes, convert alto down nine to concert and up two for B-flat trumpet: net −7.
Transpose for baritone sax
Baritone is also in E-flat, with an additional octave difference. Chord names match the alto conversion, but melodic octaves differ.