Non-transposing (Concert Pitch) and Transposing Instruments

The following chart lists non-transposing instruments (instruments whose parts are written in concert pitch) followed by transposing instruments.

Non-transposing Instruments

Instrument

Interval of Transposition

Clef(s)

Violin

Concert Pitch

Treble

Viola

Concert Pitch

Alto/Treble

Cello

Concert Pitch

Bass

Harp

Concert Pitch

Grand Staff

Flute

Concert Pitch

Treble

Oboe (Oboes)

Concert Pitch

Treble

Bassoon

Concert Pitch

Bass

Trombone

Concert Pitch

Bass

Bass Trombone

Concert Pitch

Bass/Tenor

Tuba

Concert Pitch

Bass

Marimba

Concert Pitch

Treble

Vibraphone

Concert Pitch

Treble

Timpani

Concert Pitch

Bass

Piano

Concert Pitch

Grand Staff

Organ

Concert Pitch

Grand Staff

Harpsichord

Concert Pitch

Grand Staff

Transposing Instruments

Instrument

Interval of Transposition

Clef(s)

Double Bass

Sounds one octave lower than written

Bass

Guitar

Sounds one octave lower than written

Treble

Piccolo

Sounds one octave higher than written

Treble

Alto Flute

Sounds one perfect 4th lower than written

Treble

English Horn

Sounds one perfect 5th lower than written

Treble

Clarinet in Bb

Sounds one Major 2nd lower than written

Treble

Clarinet in A

Sounds one minor 3rd lower than written

Treble

Clarinet in Eb

Sounds one Major 6th lower than written

Treble

Bass Clarinet in Bb

Sounds one Major 9th lower than written

Bass

Contrabassoon

Sounds one octave lower than written

Bass

Soprano Sax in Bb

Sounds one Major 2nd lower than written

Treble

Alto Sax in Eb

Sounds one Major 6th lower than written

Treble

Tenor Sax in Bb

Sounds one Major 9th lower than written

Treble

Baritone Sax in Eb

Sounds one octave + one Major 6th lower than written

Treble

French Horn

Sounds one Perfect 5th lower than written

Treble

Trumpet in Bb

Sounds one Major 2nd lower than written

Treble

Glockenspiel

Sounds two octaves higher than written

Treble

Xylophone

Sounds one octave higher than written

Treble

Celesta

Sounds one octave higher than written

Grand Staff