How to Change E-Flat Alto Saxophone Music Into Guitar Music
Both the alto saxophone and guitar play music that is written on the treble clef, but a G on the alto saxophone is not the same as a G on a guitar. This is because for some instruments, like the alto saxophone, it is easier to write uncluttered music --- music that does not need a large amount of ledger lines to display a basic melody --- by changing the names of the notes. When transposing E-flat saxophone music to guitar music, keep in mind that guitar music sounds one octave lower than written.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Transpose the key signature up one and a half steps. What this means is that if the saxophone music is written in C major, the guitar music would be written in D-sharp/E-flat major; if the saxophone music is written in A major, the guitar music would be written in C major; and so on. Use the circle of fifths chart to help you transpose keys (see Resources).
-
2
Transpose the notes from the saxophone music to the guitar music. Each note will be transposed the same way as the key was transposed, raising them a step and a half. Be careful to use the proper accidentals (sharps and flats) when doing this. Remember that each key has only one natural note by each letter name: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Refer to the already transposed key to help you with this.
-
-
3
Play the music on your guitar. If you transposed correctly, the music should sound right, but it will be one octave lower than on a saxophone. If you wish to play in the exact same register as the saxophone, simply play each note an octave higher than written.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are playing saxophone music on your guitar alone, you can play it as it's written for the saxophone. The music will sound right, but it will be a step and a half higher than concert pitch (the tuning for a performance). You must transpose before playing along with other musicians or recorded music, however.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
