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How to Transpose a Soprano Saxophone to Alto

Transposition is a process that involves changing the pitch of an instrument by a set interval. Because the soprano and alto sax play in different keys, to enable both instruments to play the same pitch, a transposition is necessary. Transposing a soprano sax to an alto sax requires knowing the sounding key of each instrument, then transposing the soprano sax in relationship to the alto sax.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what interval will transpose soprano sax to alto sax. The soprano sax sounds a major second lower than written and is in Bb. The alto sax sounds a sixth lower and is in Eb. This means that the alto sax transposition is down a perfect fifth from soprano sax.

    • 2

      Remove one flat from the key signature. Since the transposition is a perfect fifth, you must also change the key signature to reflect this change. If there are sharps in the key signature, remove one sharp, as sharps cancel out flats.

    • 3

      Transpose all of the soprano sax's notes down a perfect fifth. This in correlation with the key signature change will allow you to play soprano sax music on an alto sax.

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