How the key change works
- Turn a recording into sheet music (audio or video).
- On the score page, pick one of the twelve keys: C, D♭, D, E♭, E, F, G♭, G, A♭, A, B♭ or B.
- The score is rewritten in that key with the right key signature. Download the new PDF or MusicXML.
Change it as often as you like. Key changes, re-downloads and re-renders never use minutes. Only new audio does.
It moves the shorter way
Going from C to D moves the music up a whole step. Going from C to B moves it down a half step rather than up eleven, so the music stays near the register it was played in and does not climb off the top of the stave.
Major stays major, minor stays minor
A song in A minor moved to E becomes E minor, with one sharp in the key signature. The mode never changes, only the starting note.
When people change the key
- For a singer. The recording is in a key that sits too high or too low for the voice. See for worship pianists.
- To make it easier to play. Six flats become one sharp, and a beginner can manage it. See for piano teachers.
- To play with other instruments. Match a guitarist with a capo or a band that tunes down.
Only have a chord chart?
The free chord transposer moves a chord chart to a new key in your browser, no sign-in needed. And if you would rather understand it yourself, read how to transpose piano music by hand.