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Step 2: Write the New Key Signature

22 July, 2019 - 10:18
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If you have chosen the transposition because you want a particular key, then you should already know what key signature to use. (If you don't, see Key Signature.) If you have chosen the transposition because you wanted a particular interval (say, a whole step lower or a perfect fifth higher), then the key changes by the same interval. For example, if you want to transpose a piece in D major up one whole step, the key also moves up one whole step, to E major.

Transposing a piece in B minor down a major third (Major and Minor Intervals) will move the key signature down a major third to G minor. For more information on and practice identifying intervals, see Interval. For further information on how moving music up or down changes the key signature, see The Circle of Fifths.

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Figure 6.14 Find the New Key
You must know the interval between the old and new keys, and you must know the new key signature. This step is very important; if you use the wrong key signature, the transposition will not work. 
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Figure 6.15 Move all the Notes
Did you move the key down a minor third? Simply move all the notes down a third in the new key; count down three lines-or-spaces to find the new spot for each note. Did you move the key up a perfect fourth? Then move all the notes up four lines-and-spaces. Remember to count every line and every space, including the ones the notes start on and end on. Once you get the hang of it, this step is very straightforward, but it may take a while if you have a lot of music.