How to Transpose a Song's Chords and Key (MAJOR KEYS)

Composer Suzannah Doyle shows how to change a song from one key to a new one by substituting chords from one chord family (in a specific key) with ones from a different family of chords (This video covers chords in a MAJOR key, where the 1, 4 and 5 chords are major). Every key has 7 chords, so by thinking in chord NUMBERS, you can easily change from one set of chords (in a key) to those from a different key. Transposing can make a song easier to sing, and easier to play on some instruments (e.g. the keys of D and A are easier to play on guitar, while the keys of C and G are easier to play on ukulele. The keys of C, G, and F are easier to play on piano when first learning.)

Download the Free Factsheet used in this video:

Check out other Free Music How-to Factsheets from Suz:

[amirstewart]

I love the way you explained....its so logical and you use the numbers it job....

[IHaveNoLaifu]

Thank you much. I've been looking for a clear video on transposing. I recently picked up the Lyre and quickly realized I hit a wall with it's limitations. Most of the songs I wanted to learn have sharps and flats, but I can't tune my Lyre and sacrifice strings. My only hope was to transpose the songs to C major but i had no idea how to do that.

[howdy_dave]

Thank you for making this easier to understand!

[kilrqween]

Thank you so much! it finally makes sense to me

[breahnacosmin]

thank you so so much. i never understood them but this video was so helpful. <3 <3

[jeannetteantry]

So nice to find the information that you offer easily. I will be subscribing and continuing to use your information. Thanks so much. This seems so easy and yet so hard. I love how you set it up and make it doable. I just want to know how to transpose, and I was able to do some simple keys. And now I can do it when I am asked to in the books I am working through.

[skippitydodahday]

Can you please send me the chart you just showed us with all the keys transposed? I would appreciate it very much much!😊

[jakebee]

Is there a link that you can provide for the transposition chart?

[sentimentaloldme]

That is so helpful....I play by ear and going from one key to another can be challenging for my left hand...Thank you ..You got another subscriber...M

[rozelgante]

How can i get the copy of transposing chords and keys? Pls i would help me a lot.

[russellweller]

so...are the chord numbers an actual thing? like would another musician know what I'm talking about if I say "play a 1, 4, 5, 1 chord progression in the key of G"?

[carlosc.garzajr.]

Is there a formula to do the steps, not just the chart

[scottyshepardthesmoothdeep]

Hi there, hey I play the electric bass guitar, and I have only been learning for about 8 or 9 months now, I have been desperately trying to learn how to transpose a song to another key, and learn how to play by ear, I get hit by I get hit a lot by practice a song in one chord, and then when you get ready to play, they change it to another key, and I am lost, they is now way I transpose that quickly is there, all I can do is play by chord sheets music, any kind help for me please.

[sophalkin]

How you put chord
the on top of the song like that?

[Ibodnano]

Can you teach me how to transpose a song from major to minor? Thanks

[TheJoshtheboss]

Great video but I am still confused :\. How come this chart has 12 and its completely different?

[Moondancer]

Hi, the link seems to be ‘oops not found’. Any ideas? Such a simple way when shown by someone who doesn’t talk for hours. Many thanks.
Update. Sorry, found it eventually. Many thanks again.

[truecombatkings]

No offense but leave it to a white lady who sounds like mr. Rogers wife to make this s*** super simple!! Thanks lady I really do appreciate the class!!