What note would B♭ Trumpet play to sound

Concert Pitch C
The answer is:
D
Select the correct note:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B

About Transposing Instruments

Transposing instruments are those where the written note differs from the sounding pitch. When a B-flat trumpet plays a written C, it actually sounds a B-flat. This system arose historically so that players of related instruments (like soprano and tenor saxophone) could use the same fingerings for the same written notes.

Who Is This For?

These flashcards are essential for composers and arrangers writing for orchestra, band, or jazz ensemble. Conductors need instant transposition recall to communicate with players. Wind and brass players also benefit from understanding how their parts relate to concert pitch.

How to Practice

Remember the key rule: to write for a transposing instrument, go UP by the interval the instrument sounds DOWN. A B-flat instrument sounds a major 2nd lower, so write a major 2nd higher than concert pitch. Use the reference chart below until you've internalized the common transpositions.

Common Challenges

Students often confuse the direction of transposition. French horn in F sounds a perfect 5th LOWER than written—so to write F to sound C, write C up a P5 to G. Practice until you can instantly recall both the interval and direction for each instrument family.

Transposition Chart

Reference for common transposing instruments

Instrument Key Transposition Written C Sounds As
B♭ Trumpet B♭ Sounds M2 below written B♭
B♭ Clarinet B♭ Sounds M2 below written B♭
Soprano Saxophone B♭ Sounds M2 below written B♭
Tenor Saxophone B♭ Sounds M9 below written B♭ (8vb)
Bass Clarinet B♭ Sounds M9 below written B♭ (8vb)
E♭ Clarinet E♭ Sounds m3 above written E♭
Alto Saxophone E♭ Sounds M6 below written E♭
Baritone Saxophone E♭ Sounds M13 below written E♭ (8vb)
French Horn F Sounds P5 below written F
English Horn F Sounds P5 below written F
Alto Flute G Sounds P4 below written G
A Clarinet A Sounds m3 below written A
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Tip: To transpose concert pitch to a transposing instrument, go UP by the interval the instrument transposes DOWN. For example, a B♭ instrument sounds M2 lower than written, so write the note M2 higher than concert pitch.