I have an audition coming up
I play jazz piano and I have to prepare the lead sheet in Eb and Bb for saxophones. I don't play these so i'm asking other players... to put the tune in Eb all I have to do is transpose the tune 3 semitones (half-steps) as well as shifting the chords by this interval? Or would the sax players be able to read it in C? You've got it backwards - which is very easy to do. To transpose from C to an Eb instrument- you have to drop it 3 half steps, not up 3. and the chords would also shift down, a minor third, so C becomes and Ab for alto players.
And you transpose UP 2 half steps for the tenor players for Bb.
Think about it this way - an Eb horn reads a C on the staff, but it SOUNDS like an Eb, so if you want it to SOUND like a C, you have to have them read an Ab.
Sax players probably can transpose, but don't make 'em do it, especially on YOUR audition.
Edit: Whoops! you are right - I did mean A. I thought that looked weird! sheesh! This is why I never made a 100 on my tests... pure carelessness Fish Story has it right... except I think she means "A" not Ab is down 3 - half steps (or minor 3rd) from C.
The correct transposition to Eb is Concert C = "A" for Eb Instruments. No.no...For an Eb instrument you write down a minor 3rd. or up a major 6th. Concert "C" will require writing in "A" for the Eb horn.
Since nobody mentioned Tenor Sax, note that Bb Instruments require 1 full-step "up" from concert.....so if your once again in concert C - your Bb instruments will be in "D."
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Edit: Sorry for the repeat,......the previous respondent already cleared up the alto Eb question. | 