Key Transposer
Transpose any musical key up or down by semitones. Instant Camelot code. Free and browser-based.
Unison (no change)
Result
C major
Camelot code
8B
Capo Chart for C major
Playing in C major with a capo? Each fret = 1 semitone up. The open-string chord shapes stay the same but sound in the new key.
| Capo Fret | Semitones Up | Resulting Key |
|---|---|---|
| Capo 1 | +1 | Db major |
| Capo 2 | +2 | D major |
| Capo 3 | +3 | Eb major |
| Capo 4 | +4 | E major |
| Capo 5 | +5 | F major |
| Capo 6 | +6 | F# major |
| Capo 7 | +7 | G major |
All Transpositions from C major
Every semitone step from -6 to +6, with Camelot codes.
| Semitones | Resulting Key |
|---|---|
| -6 | F# major |
| -5 | G major |
| -4 | Ab major |
| -3 | A major |
| -2 | Bb major |
| -1 | B major |
| 0 (original) | C major |
| +1 | Db major |
| +2 | D major |
| +3 | Eb major |
| +4 | E major |
| +5 | F major |
| +6 | F# major |
How to Transpose a Song
1. Find the key
Upload the audio to BeatKey to detect the key automatically. Or check the song's metadata, music sheets, or use your ear.
2. Choose your target key
Pick a target based on a vocalist's comfortable range, a capo position, or a harmonic mixing goal. Count the semitone distance between the two keys.
3. Apply the transposition
In your DAW, use the pitch-shift feature. In Ableton: right-click a clip and adjust "Transpose" in the clip view. In FL Studio: use the pitch knob in the Sampler or Channel Rack transpose. On guitar: use a capo.
4. Verify the result
Play the transposed audio. Upload it back to BeatKey to confirm the new key. If harmonic mixing, check the new Camelot code is compatible with your set.
Pitch Shift Reference
Common semitone values and when producers use them.
| Semitones | Interval | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| +1 | Half step up (minor 2nd) | Slight pitch correction, brightening |
| +2 | Whole step up (major 2nd) | Key change for vocalist range |
| +3 | Minor 3rd up | Darker to brighter feel |
| +4 | Major 3rd up | Common sample pitch-up for hooks |
| +5 | Perfect 4th up | Capo 5, very common guitar key shift |
| +7 | Perfect 5th up | Capo 7, harmonically neutral shift |
| +12 | Octave up | Same key, one octave higher |
| -1 | Half step down | Lower for deeper vocal feel |
| -2 | Whole step down (major 2nd) | Key change for lower voice range |
| -5 | Perfect 4th down | Equivalent to perfect 5th up |
| -7 | Perfect 5th down | Equivalent to perfect 4th up |
| -12 | Octave down | Same key, one octave lower |
Why Transpose a Song?
Vocal range
Move a song into a singer's comfortable range. A track in Bb may sit better in G or A for some vocalists. 2-3 semitones can make a huge difference.
Harmonic mixing
DJs transpose tracks to make harmonic mixing transitions smoother. A track in 7A mixed with a track in 8A is seamless. Transposing one by 1 semitone bridges the gap.
Sample compatibility
A sample in F# that you want to chop over an A minor beat needs pitching down 8 semitones. The transposer tells you the exact number instantly.
Guitar capo
Guitarists use capos to play familiar chord shapes in different keys. Capo 5 on G-shape chords sounds like C. The capo chart above shows every result.
Instrument ranges
Some keys suit specific instruments better. Brass instruments often prefer Bb or Eb. String players favor sharps. Transposing a song makes it more idiomatic.
Avoiding black keys
Beginner piano/keyboard players sometimes prefer C major or G major. Transposing helps match a song to the easiest playable key for practice or collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transpose a song to a different key?
Select the original key above, then use the + and - buttons to choose how many semitones to transpose. The result shows instantly. For audio files, use your DAW's pitch shift feature with the semitone count from this tool.
What does transpose mean in music?
Transposing moves all the notes of a piece up or down by the same interval. The melody and harmony stay the same; only the pitch level changes. C major transposed up 2 semitones becomes D major. The relationships between notes are preserved.
How many semitones is a capo on guitar?
Each fret is exactly 1 semitone. Capo 1 = +1 semitone, Capo 5 = +5 semitones (a perfect fourth), Capo 7 = +7 semitones (a perfect fifth). The capo chart above shows the resulting key for every fret position based on your selected key.
What key is C major transposed up 5 semitones?
C major up 5 semitones is F major. The sequence from C: C (0), Db (1), D (2), Eb (3), E (4), F (5). Five half-steps up from C lands on F. You can verify this with the transposer above by selecting C major and setting +5.