Transpose

There are two kinds of transpose. One moves the band’s sound with it. The other moves only how the chart looks. You can use them together.

Move the band with it (Transpose)

This is Transpose on the top row (under Session). You can pick from −6 to +6 semitones.

When you pick one, the backing and the chord names on the chart move together. Use it when the original key is too high or too low, or when you want to practice in an easier key.

Move only how the chart looks (Transposing instrument)

This setting is for instruments whose written chart and sounding pitch differ, such as alto saxophone and trumpet. Pick it from Instrument under Settings → Transposing instrument.

The 12 choices are C, Bb (+2), Eb (+9), F (+7), A (+3), D (+10), G (+5), E (+8), Ab (+4), Db (+11), B (+1), F# (+6). Tenor saxophone and trumpet use Bb. Alto saxophone and baritone saxophone use Eb. Horn uses F.

This shifts only the chord names on the chart. The band’s sound does not move. You read in the key you are used to, and the band stays in the original key.

There is no octave choice. A different octave does not change the chord name.

When you use both

The chart heading shows the current state. For example, tr+2 · Bb · (file C) means “the band is up 2 semitones, you are reading as a Bb instrument, and the original file is in C.”

Where it is kept

Transpose is kept per tune. If you set one tune to +2, the other tunes stay in their own keys. When you open that tune again, it comes back at +2. To undo it, pick 0 on that tune.

Transposing instrument is a setting for the whole app. It carries over when you change tunes, so if you always read as a Bb instrument, you pick it once.

When you rewrite chords

If you rewrite chords while transposed, you type the names as you see them. When they are saved, they are written back in the original key. Type what the chart in front of you says. You do not have to transpose it in your head. How to rewrite is in Rewrite chords.