Transposing Chords

Lesson 5/48 | Study Time: 5 Min

Course: Rock Keyboard

Transposing Chords

When transposing chords, a similar system can be used. As you learnt in lesson 2, the chords C, F and G correspond to the first, fourth and fifth notes of the C major scale and so are known as chords 1, 4 and 5 in the key of C.

C Major Scale

Chords

The chord numbers remain the same regardless of the chord type. E.g. The chord I shown above could be a C major, C minor or a C7. It will still be described as chord 1 as long as it is built on a C root note. To transpose these chords to the key of G, you would simply find the same chord types built on the first, fourth and fifth notes of the G major scale as shown below.

G Major Scale

Chords

The following examples demonstrate a part played first in the key of C major and then in G major.

Here is the same part in the key of G. Notice that the left hand part has been raised in pitch, while the right hand part has been lowered. This type of alteration is common when transposing. The keyboard positions you choose depend on what sounds best in the particular key.

Here is another part in the key of G. Learn it from memory and then transpose it to the key of C.

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Class Sessions

1- Chord Inversions 2- Minor Chords 3- The Blues Scale 4- Eighth Note Rhythms 5- Seventh Chords 6- The Triplet 7- Sixteenth Notes 8- Intervals 9- The Major Chord 10- More About Chords and Keys 11- INTRODUCTION 12- 16th Note Studies 13- Approach to Practice 14- Swing Rhythms 15- C Chromatic Scale 16- G7 Chord Inversions 17- Riffs 18- Scale Tone Chords 19- C Minor Chord Inversions 20- Slash Chords 21- Chord Diagrams 22- C Major Chord Inversions 23- Quarter Note Rhythms 24- Creating Minor Chords 25- Minor Keys 26- Syncopation 27- Transposing 28- Listening 29- The Shuffle 30- Creating 7th Chords 31- Interval Types 32- G Major Chord Inversions 33- Basic Equipment 34- Interval Distances 35- Identifying 8th Note Rhythms 36- Seventh Chord Types 37- The G Major Chord 38- Grace Notes 39- Omitting Notes From Chords 40- F Major Chord Inversions 41- Transposing Chords 42- 12 Bar Blues 43- The F Major Chord 44- Guidelines for Using Inversions 45- Using Ties, Pedal Tones 46- Scale Tone Seventh Chords 47- Chord Substitution 48- Creating Other Chord Types

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Transposing Chords