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How to Get Music in G Major

It happens so often that a performer wants to play a particular piece of music but it is in a key that is either too difficult to perform, or doesn't fit the range of the instrument. When this happens it is tempting to look elsewhere for another work to play, however; it is still possible to play the piece with a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Circle of Fifths
  • Staff Paper
  • Pencil
  • Notation Program
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Instructions

  1. Determine the Key

    • 1
      The key signature determines what key the music is in.

      Find the number of sharps or flats in the key signature.

    • 2

      Determine the number of sharps or flats in the key signature.

    • 3

      Check the melody, determine what pitch the piece revolves around.

    • 4
      Analyze the chords to determine the tonality.

      Check the chords, determine the chord that the piece starts with and revolves around.

    • 5

      Gather the information from Step 2 - 4. If there is one sharp in the key signature and the piece revolves around G, or starts with a G major chord the piece is already in G major. If it is not in the key of G then transpose the piece.

    Transpose the Music to G Major

    • 6
      Determine the key signature by analyzing the sharps and flats.

      Determine the current key signature by matching up the sharps or flats with the Circle of Fifths chart.

    • 7

      Change the key signature so that it has one sharp.

    • 8

      Determine the number of chromatic half steps the key is away from G Major.

    • 9

      Change each pitch by transposing them up or down the exact number of chromatic half steps away from G major.

    • 10
      Depending on the instrument change the octave of the music.

      Pick the best octave for the piece and transpose the piece up or down an octave to fit the range of the instrument.

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