Transposition
Moving a passage of music up or down in pitch by a fixed interval
Category
keys
Pronunciation
tranz-poh-ZIH-shun
Origin
Latin
Length
89 words · 1 min read
About Transposition
Transposition shifts every note in a passage by the same interval, preserving all melodic and harmonic relationships. It is used to accommodate different vocal ranges, to write for transposing instruments, and as a compositional technique for developing material.
More keys terms
Diatonic
View all keysterms →Pertaining to the seven notes of a major or natural minor scale without chromatic alteration.
TonicisationThe brief treatment of a non-tonic chord as a temporary tonic through the use of its own dominant or leading note.
Circle of FifthsA diagram arranging all twelve major and minor keys by ascending perfect fifths, showing their key-signature relationships.
DominantThe fifth degree of a scale and the second most important tonal centre after the tonic.
ModeA type of scale defined by a specific pattern of tones and semitones, historically derived from medieval church music.
v1 · 09/04/2026Browse all terms →