Guide
Instrument ranges and transposition cheat sheet
Writing a note an instrument can't play (or can only just play) is the fastest way to lose a rehearsal. Keep this table nearby when you arrange. Ranges are concert pitch, with middle C = C4, and the "comfortable" column is what an average amateur player handles well.
Ranges
| Instrument | Full range | Comfortable range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano voice | B♭3 – C6 | C4 – G5 | |
| Alto voice | F3 – E5 | G3 – C5 | |
| Tenor voice | C3 – B♭4 | D3 – G4 | Written an octave higher on treble clef |
| Bass voice | E2 – E4 | F2 – C4 | |
| Violin | G3 – E7 | G3 – A5 | Treble clef |
| Viola | C3 – E6 | C3 – D5 | Alto clef |
| Cello | C2 – A5 | C2 – A4 | Bass clef, tenor/treble clef up high |
| Double bass | E1 – G4 | E1 – D3 | Sounds an octave lower than written |
| Trumpet in B♭ | E3 – C6 | G3 – G5 | Sounds a whole step lower than written |
| Alto sax in E♭ | D♭3 – A5 | E3 – E5 | Sounds a major sixth lower than written |
| Guitar | E2 – B5 | E2 – E5 | Sounds an octave lower than written |
| Bass guitar | E1 – G4 | E1 – C3 | Sounds an octave lower than written |
| Accordion (right hand) | F3 – A6 | G3 – C6 | Left hand: bass and chord buttons |
| Piano | A0 – C8 | Avoid thick chords below C3 |
Transposing instruments in one minute
A transposing instrument reads a different note from the one that sounds. To write its part, transpose the concert pitch by the opposite interval:
- Trumpet / clarinet in B♭: sounds a major second lower → write a major second higher. Concert C major becomes D major on the part.
- Alto sax in E♭: sounds a major sixth lower → write a major sixth higher (or a minor third lower). Concert C becomes A.
- Horn in F: sounds a perfect fifth lower → write a fifth higher.
- Guitar and bass: write an octave higher than they sound, in treble and bass clef respectively.
Tips
- Stay in the comfortable range for most of the piece, and use the edges for one climax.
- Brass needs rests: give trumpets a few bars off every so often.
- Strings love long notes, especially in the middle register.
- Check the key signature on every transposed part after a key change.
Medley Writer writes every part in a playable range and in the right transposition automatically (trumpet in B♭, guitar and bass an octave up), so the parts are ready to print.
To check a melody against every instrument at once, use the free instrument range checker. For a step-by-step method, see how to transpose for B♭ and E♭ instruments.
Let Medley Writer do the transcribing
Upload the songs, choose the parts and the order, and get a full arrangement for your band with the transitions written in. Free during the beta.
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