Transpose ABC
Change the key of a tune. Choose a new tonic, and the notes, chord symbols and key signature move together; the original mode stays intact.
Paste a tune
Move the tonic
Use the arrows for one-semitone steps. Enharmonic spellings follow the destination key.
Read it back
A rendered score appears when ABC notation is available.
How to transpose an ABC tune
Move a tune to a new key and get back ABC you can paste straight into your songbook or tune collection.
Paste the tune
Paste ABC notation into the source box, or press Load sample to try a reel. The tune needs a
K:line, which sets its key. The original key appears under the box, and the score is drawn as you type.Choose the new key
Pick a new tonic from the list, or use the arrows to move one semitone at a time. The list only offers keys that can be written without double sharps or flats.
Check the result
The notes, the chord symbols in quotes (such as
"Am7") and theK:line all move together, and the tune keeps its mode. Sharps and flats are spelled to suit the new key.Read, play and save
The new score is drawn below, and Play lets you hear it. Copy the ABC or download it as an
.abcfile. You can also edit the transposed ABC directly, and the score updates as you go.
Keys and modes
Write the mode after the tonic on the K: line. The Reference page lists the notes of every mode in every key.
- Major
K:G,K:GmajorK:G major- Minor (aeolian)
K:Em,K:EminorK:Eaeo- Dorian
K:AdororK:A dorian, common in Irish and Scottish tunes- Mixolydian
K:DmixorK:D mixolydian, common in pipe tunes and old-time music- Phrygian
K:EphrorK:E phrygian- Lydian
K:FlydorK:F lydian- Locrian
K:BlocorK:B locrian
Common questions
What is ABC notation?
ABC is a way of writing music as plain text, with letters for notes and a few header lines for the title, metre, note length and key. It is widely used for folk and traditional tunes, and thousands of tunes are shared online in ABC.
Why does the mode matter?
Moving an E dorian tune down a whole tone should give D dorian, not D major. Cooley's Reel in K:Edor becomes K:Ddor: the same tune with the same character, in a key that may suit your instrument or voice better.
Are chord symbols transposed?
Yes. Chord symbols in double quotes move with the notes, including slash chords and extensions, so "D/F#" moved up a tone becomes "E/G#".
How do I transpose for a B♭ or E♭ instrument?
For a B♭ instrument such as clarinet, trumpet or tenor sax, move concert-pitch music up a whole tone (two semitone steps). For an E♭ instrument such as alto sax, move it up nine semitones, or down three.
What is transposition?
Transposition moves every note of a piece up or down by the same interval, so the tune keeps its shape in a new key. The transposer works in semitone steps and respells sharps and flats to suit the new key signature.
Can I use it to sing or play in a different key?
Yes. Step through keys with the arrows and play the score back until it sits well for your voice or instrument, then copy or download the new ABC.
Is it free?
Yes. The transposer is free to use and needs no account or download. It runs in any modern browser on a computer, tablet or phone.