Why Do We Have Transposing Instruments?

Written By Jesse Strickland

Transposing instruments are confusing and frustrating, and their very existence seems absurd. A few years ago, I made a video about how to deal with transposing instruments, but today we’re here to talk about why we have transposing instruments in the first place.

 

Music Theory resources

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Scales, Keys, and Modes - Resource Bundle
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Scales, Keys, and Modes - Resource Bundle
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This Resource Bundle includes:
- Instrument Transposition + Ranges Chart
- How to Build and Use the Circle of 5ths
- Guide to Keys and Modes
- Theory of Scales Guide

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Theory of Scales PDF Guide
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Theory of Scales PDF Guide
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This guide was designed to help musicians rethink the way they approach scales. The major scale is often thought of as the “default scale” - but all of the scales are tools for a musicians toolbox. This three page guide will help introduce you to how scales are built, how to choose which scale to use, and how scales are related to one another.

This guide accompanies the four part video series on YouTube.

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The Score Study Field Guide
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The Score Study Field Guide
$3.97 $4.95

A Step-By-Step process that will guide musicians through analyzing music independently. Great for all musicians, music theory students.

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Composition Process Interactive PDF
Composition Process Interactive PDF
$2.95

A flowchart of the 4-phase composition and songwriting process that I use for myself, and teach my composition students. This PDF has links to 16 additional resources that will help composers in their journey. Great for new composers and songwriters.

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Jesse Strickland
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