Alto Saxophone
Quick Facts
- Instrument Key
- E♭
- Transposition Interval
- Major 6th down
- Written C sounds as
- E♭3
- 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 B♭ clarinet. The clarinet is a major 2nd lower than written; the alto is a major 6th lower. Playing a written C on clarinet gives B♭, while on alto it gives E♭. 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 E♭ transposition was part of Adolphe Sax's original 1846 patent design: the four sizes alternate between B♭ (soprano, tenor) and E♭ (alto, baritone) to keep the written range consistent across the family. The alto's E♭ 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.
