MusicianCV · TRTransposing while preserving intervals
Open the interactive module
Spelling and transposition
Transposition moves a passage to another pitch level while preserving its intervals. Adding the same semitone amount to every MIDI pitch is a practical equal-tempered method. Written notation also requires suitable letter names and accidentals.
When adapting a song to a singer, check both extremes rather than only the starting note. Move melody, bass and harmony together when you want their original relationships. Moving only the melody changes its relationship to the accompaniment and should be treated as a separate arranging decision.
Example
Transposing C–E–G up two semitones produces D–F-sharp–A.
Transposing while preserving intervalsC E G → D F♯ A
Try it
Transpose MIDI pitches 60, 64, 67 down three semitones.
Answer
57, 61, 64: subtract the same amount from each.Related topics
Range and practical register · Relative major and minorReferences
Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom
Subject-expert review pending.