Alto Saxophone
Quick Facts
- Instrument Key
- E-flat
- Transposition Interval
- Major 6th down
- Written C sounds as
- Eb3
- Instrument Family
- woodwind
- Instrument Page
- Alto Saxophone on Tunable
Written vs. Sounding Pitch — Frequency Table
Each row shows a written pitch (as it appears in the score) and the concert-pitch note that sounds when played. Frequencies are equal temperament at A4=440Hz.
Key Signature Conversion Table
When the conductor names a concert key, this table shows what key signature the Alto Saxophone player reads. The player reads the written key; the audience hears the sounding key.
Practical Scenarios
Jazz Chart in Concert F: Alto vs. Tenor Parts
Concert pitch F major. The alto saxophone reads D major (two sharps: written note up a major 6th from concert). The tenor saxophone reads G major (one sharp: written note up a major 2nd from concert). Same concert key, very different key signatures.
Audition: Playing a Concert Pitch Scale
A judge asks the alto player to play a C major scale at concert pitch. The player must play an A major scale (starting on written A4, which sounds as C3 — a major 6th below). Each written note sounds a major sixth lower.
Switching from Alto to Clarinet
An alto saxophone player picks up a Bb clarinet. The clarinet is a major 2nd lower than written; the alto is a major 6th lower. Playing a written C on clarinet gives Bb, while on alto it gives Eb. The player must learn to recalibrate transposition entirely.
Why Does the Alto Saxophone Transpose?
The alto saxophone is the most common saxophone in classical and concert band settings and a cornerstone of jazz saxophone sections. Its Eb transposition was part of Adolphe Sax's original 1846 patent design: the four sizes alternate between Bb (soprano, tenor) and Eb (alto, baritone) to keep the written range consistent across the family. The alto's Eb transposition means it sounds a major sixth lower than written — making concert pitch C produce the written note A on the instrument.
Tune Your Alto Saxophone with Precision — Get Tunable.
Tunable's chromatic tuner shows exact Hz values in real time. Tune to equal temperament A4=440Hz or explore all 16 temperament systems.
Related Instruments
How to Transpose for E-flat Instruments
All Transposing Instruments · Circle of Fifths · Keys Reference · Temperament Systems