How to Transpose for Alto Sax

Writing for the alto sax is easy so long as transposition is kept in mind.

The alto sax is a versatile instrument commonly associated with jazz music and marching bands. However, more and more composers are incorporating the alto sax into classical ensembles and other kinds of music not typically associated with the alto sax. The instrument is pitched at Eb (E-flat), so the emitted sound is a major sixth below concert pitch. This must be considered when composing for the instrument.

Instructions

1. Write out the alto sax line as it would sound at concert pitch. Make sure that it fits melodically with all the other instruments at concert pitch. Play it on the piano to check.

2. Write out each note of the alto sax a major sixth (nine half-steps) above the concert pitch. For example, a note that should sound as a D in concert pitch should be written out as a B above that D.

3. Adjust the key signature to match the saxophone, to adjust for the original key. For example, if the piece is in C major it should be written in A major for the alto sax and have the requisite three sharps.

4. Play the transposed line in the alto sax with the other instruments to make sure the transposition came out correctly and all the notes correspond and fit as intended.

References

• Instrument Transposition Chart