Transposing allows, for instance, an alto sax (an Eb instrument) and tenor sax (a Bb instrument) player to see the same notes on the page and use the same fingerings. One practical reason is that some instruments, such as the saxophone, come in different sizes to accommodate particular sounds and different ranges. There are several reasons why transposition is used. Notes for this clarinet are written one whole step higher than what the clarinet sounds, and a Bb (one whole step, or two semi-tones, lower) is actually heard when a C is played. For example, a “regular” clarinet is a Bb instrument. Other instruments-including clarinets, trumpets, saxophones, and especially French horns-don’t sound a C when they play one on the page. If violinists see a C on the page, they play-and you hear-the note C. Instruments such as the piano, flute, violin, viola, and cello are not transposing instruments. Put simply, a transposing instrument is one whose musical notes are written at a pitch different from actual concert pitch. In reality, transposition isn’t all that hard to grasp. Do you play a transposing instrument? Those new to the idea of transposing instruments-such as a Bb clarinet, soprano saxophone, or Bb trumpet-might find the concept a little tricky.
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