🎵 Transposition Tool
Transpose chords and melodies up or down by key or interval. Professional music transposition with chord recognition and key signature conversion.
Your Result:
C Am F G → D Bm G A
Transposed up 2 semitones (whole step) • Example progression
🎼 Original
✨ Transposed
🎯 Transposition Details
Whole Step Up
Key Change
Processed
Example Preview: This demonstrates transposing a common I-vi-IV-V progression from C major to D major, raising all chords by a whole step (2 semitones).
How to Use This Transposition Tool
Enter your chords or melody notes in the input field, then choose how you want to transpose them. The tool supports two main methods: transposing by a specific interval (number of semitones) or transposing to a target key.
- Enter your music: Type chord names (like "C Am F G") or single notes (like "C D E F G") in the text area
- Choose input type: Select whether you're entering chords, single notes, or let the tool auto-detect
- Select transposition method: Choose interval-based (up/down by semitones) or key-based (from source key to target key)
- Configure settings: Set the interval amount/direction or source/target keys as needed
- Generate results: Click "Transpose Music" to see the transposed version with comparison view
The tool displays both original and transposed versions side-by-side for easy comparison. Results include the transposition details (interval, direction, key change) and preserve all chord qualities and extensions.
Advanced features include enharmonic equivalent preferences (choosing between sharps and flats based on key signature) and support for complex chord symbols including 7th chords, extensions, alterations, and jazz harmony.
How It Works
- Input Parsing: The tool analyzes your input to identify individual chords or notes, recognizing common chord symbols and note names
- Transposition Calculation: Based on your chosen method, it calculates the semitone interval needed (either directly or by comparing source/target keys)
- Note Mapping: Each note or chord root is shifted by the calculated interval using chromatic circle mathematics
- Quality Preservation: Chord qualities (major, minor, 7th, etc.) are preserved while only the root note changes
- Enharmonic Selection: When enabled, the tool chooses the most appropriate sharp/flat notation based on key signature conventions
- Result Formatting: The transposed music is displayed in an organized format with side-by-side comparison and detailed transposition information
When You Might Need This
- • Transpose a song from C major to D major for a singer's vocal range
- • Convert guitar chords to a capo-friendly key for easier fingering
- • Transpose instrumental parts when changing from concert pitch to Bb instruments
- • Shift a melody up an octave for a different instrument arrangement
- • Convert chord progressions between sharp and flat keys for readability
- • Transpose backing tracks to match a vocalist's comfortable singing range
- • Convert piano music to guitar-friendly keys (E, A, D major)
- • Shift orchestral parts for transposing instruments (clarinet, trumpet, saxophone)
- • Transpose sheet music for different vocal ranges (tenor to soprano)
- • Convert lead sheets between jazz standards in different keys
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between transposing by interval vs. target key?
Interval transposition moves everything up or down by a specific number of semitones (e.g., +3 semitones). Target key transposition calculates the interval needed to move from one key to another (e.g., C major to E major). Both methods achieve the same result, but target key is more intuitive when you know your desired destination key.
How does the tool handle enharmonic equivalents (sharps vs flats)?
When 'Prefer enharmonic equivalents' is enabled, the tool chooses sharps or flats based on music theory conventions and key signatures. For example, in Bb major, it will show Bb instead of A#. This makes the transposed music more readable and follows standard notation practices.
Can I transpose complex chord symbols like Cmaj7 or Am7b5?
Yes, the tool recognizes extended chords, altered chords, and complex jazz harmonies. It preserves all chord qualities (major, minor, 7th, sus, add, etc.) while transposing only the root note. For example, Cmaj7 transposed up 2 semitones becomes Dmaj7, maintaining the major seventh quality.
What input formats does the tool accept for chords and melodies?
The tool accepts multiple formats: chord names separated by spaces (C Am F G), line-separated progressions, single notes for melodies (C D E F), and mixed content. It auto-detects whether your input contains chords or single notes, though you can specify the type manually for better accuracy.
How accurate is the tool for complex music theory applications?
The tool uses standard music theory algorithms for transposition and is highly accurate for common chord symbols and note names. It handles major/minor keys, all 12 chromatic pitches, and preserves chord qualities correctly. For very complex or non-standard notation, double-check results against your music theory knowledge.