Troubleshooting
Transposing is a relatively simple process, however it is easy to make careless mistakes. The following points should help you to avoid any pitfalls.
- Make sure that the respective chromatic scales are written out clearly and correctly and that each note of the second scale is written directly beneath the first. The use of sharps or flats in the chromatic scales should match the sharps flats of their respective major scales, e.g., for the key of G, which has F#, write the G chromatic in sharps; for the key of F, which has Bb, write the F chromatic in flats.
- Remember that the note values remain the same in a transposition. Also be sure to include any other musical signs, including the time signature and the new key signature.
- During the course of a conversion, pay special attention to the notes which are affected by the sharps or flats of the key signature, e.g., in the key of G, a written F note is really F# and must be located correctly on the G chromatic scale.
- If you are transposing for singing purposes, you may need to experiment with several different different keys before the best one is located. If you are transposing for ease of playing, try C, F or G (or their respective minors).
- Always play the finished transposition, as this is the best way to check its accuracy.