Linked Questions

3 votes
2 answers
1k views

Why are there transposing instruments? [duplicate]

I just play guitar and harmonica, but I understand that some instruments are considered transposing instruments. Nobody has ever explained the reasons for transposing instruments other than they are ...
skinny peacock's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
363 views

Alto Flute Keying [duplicate]

I understand all about transposing instruments. However, my question is why not label the keys of these instruments such that when you play a particular key (say "C") it sounds like a "C"? This idea ...
BobK's user avatar
  • 1
0 votes
1 answer
207 views

Why is sheet music for guitar different from piano [duplicate]

Why is middle C on guitar music played an octave lower in pitch on guitar than on piano? I can play guitar while reading from piano music on the grand staff with middle C at concert, and it's not any ...
skinny peacock's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
56 views

If a certain transposing instrument plays a Bb, but it sounds like a C, why not just call it a C? [duplicate]

Why call it a Bb, if it sounds like a C? Why not just write it as a C?
big papa's user avatar
50 votes
4 answers
11k views

Why do instruments have a key?

There are many instruments that have keys other than C. For example: The Eb Alto Saxophone The Bb Clarinet The Horn in F Why do these instruments have a key in the first place? Here's a more ...
SirPython's user avatar
  • 1,466
27 votes
3 answers
22k views

What is concert pitch?

I was watching a song video lesson earlier today and it mentioned that the guitar should be tuned to concert pitch. What does that mean? Is it different from the normal EADGBE tuning?
Adam Lear's user avatar
  • 2,242
14 votes
4 answers
5k views

Why are some instruments listed 'in F' or 'in B'?

I am looking through scores of pieces that I particularly like. I can't understand (as this is the first time I have come across it) why here, in the manuscript, some instruments are named as ...
cmp's user avatar
  • 2,676
21 votes
4 answers
4k views

Could B♭ instruments be built in C? Why are they in B♭ in the first place?

Why did the clarinet and trumpet get made to 'be' in B♭? Could they have been made to produce concert pitch C? This would make a composer's life so much easier when physically writing scores. ...
Tim's user avatar
  • 190k
15 votes
2 answers
30k views

What is a transposing instrument?

I've read this term many times. However, I'm not quite sure of what it exactly is. What is a transposing instrument? What would be an example of one?
Luke_0's user avatar
  • 7,399
0 votes
2 answers
18k views

Playing alto sax with piano or guitar [duplicate]

I have no musical background but I can read sheet music. I just rented an Eb alto saxophone. I think I know the answer to the following question but I'm not sure: If a piano or guitar is playing a ...
Bill W's user avatar
  • 1
4 votes
4 answers
662 views

Which tone names should I learn on a transposing instrument like a saxophone?

I just started learning to play tenor saxophone which is tuned in Bb key. All the tutorials begin wit learning the C major scale, but this is actually the Bb major on a tenor sax. I sort of understand ...
Peter Hudec's user avatar
1 vote
4 answers
522 views

What does the tuning of a brass instrument mean? [duplicate]

I've just purchased a bugle which is tuned to B flat. What does it mean for a brass instrument to be tuned to a particular note and how does this determine the notes that can be played on the ...
Nick's user avatar
  • 13
3 votes
1 answer
305 views

C Melody Saxophone

The C melody was part of the series of saxophones pitched in C and F intended by the instrument's inventor, Adolphe Sax, for orchestral use. Since 1930, only saxophones in the key of B♭ and E♭ (...
Jacob Swanson's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
603 views

Why a common Trumpet is in B flat pitch ? [duplicate]

Why is Trumpet mentioned as B flat pitch ? How it becomes suitable for C scale ?
afelixj's user avatar
  • 255