Which instrument transposes down a major sixth from written treble?

Which instrument transposes down a major sixth from written treble?

• A. Bb bass clarinet
• B. Eb alto clarinet
• C. Bb soprano sax
• D. Oboe

Answer: (B)

Transposing for instruments in E-flat means the sounding pitch is a major sixth below what is written. In other words, you write notes a major sixth higher than the concert pitch you want. For an E-flat alto clarinet, written C sounds as concert E-flat, a major sixth lower. So this instrument transposes down a major sixth from written. Among the options, the alto clarinet in E-flat fits this exactly, while Bb instruments (bass clarinet and soprano sax) transpose down a major second, and the oboe sounds at concert pitch (no transposition). Therefore, the instrument that transposes down a major sixth from written treble is the E-flat alto clarinet.

Transposing for instruments in E-flat means the sounding pitch is a major sixth below what is written. In other words, you write notes a major sixth higher than the concert pitch you want.

For an E-flat alto clarinet, written C sounds as concert E-flat, a major sixth lower. So this instrument transposes down a major sixth from written. Among the options, the alto clarinet in E-flat fits this exactly, while Bb instruments (bass clarinet and soprano sax) transpose down a major second, and the oboe sounds at concert pitch (no transposition). Therefore, the instrument that transposes down a major sixth from written treble is the E-flat alto clarinet.