Topmusicanswers
In reality, transposition isn't all that hard to grasp. Put simply, a transposing instrument is one whose musical notes are written at a pitch different from actual concert pitch. Instruments such as the piano, flute, violin, viola, and cello are not transposing instruments.
- What instruments are not transposing?
- What transposition is a cello?
- What is an example of a transposing instrument?
- What are the transposing string instruments?
What instruments are not transposing?
The following are NOT transposing instruments:
- Flute, oboe, bassoon.
- Trombone, tuba.
- Violin, viola, cello.
- Timpani.
What transposition is a cello?
Non-transposing Instruments
| Instrument | Interval of Transposition | Clef(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Violin | Concert Pitch | Treble |
| Viola | Concert Pitch | Alto/Treble |
| Cello | Concert Pitch | Bass |
| Harp | Concert Pitch | Grand Staff |
What is an example of a transposing instrument?
Transposing musical instrument, instrument that produces a higher or lower pitch than indicated in music written for it. Examples include clarinets, the English horn, and saxophones. Musical notation written for transposing instruments shows the relative pitches, rather than the exact pitches, produced.
What are the transposing string instruments?
The clarinet, cor Anglais, trumpet and French horn are transposing instruments. The note which actually sounds at concert pitch when the player reads/plays the note C determines what pitch the instrument is “in”. For each of these instruments, the concert pitch note is lower than the written note.
