How to transpose chords
To transpose a song is to move it into a different key while keeping every chord in the same relationship to the others. You do it by shifting every chord by the same number of half steps. Singers do it to find a comfortable range, guitarists do it to play with easier shapes, and band members do it to suit a new vocalist.
Three steps
- Paste the song. Chords and lyrics together is fine. The tool finds the chords for you.
- Pick the new key. Use the + and − buttons, or choose the key you want from the list.
- Copy the result. Chords stay lined up above the same words, ready to print or paste elsewhere.
What the tool recognises
- Chords on their own line above the lyrics:
G D Em C - ChordPro-style chords inside the lyrics:
[G]Hello [D]world - Slash chords such as
D/F#and extensions such asCmaj7,Bm7b5,Gsus4andCadd9 - Bar lines and repeats:
| Am | F |,|: C G :|,(x2) - Section labels like
[Chorus]andVerse 2:, and guitar tab, which are left exactly as they are
Lyrics that happen to look like chords, such as the word "A" at the start of a sentence, are left alone. A line only counts as a chord line when it is almost entirely chords.
Sharps or flats?
The same black key can be written as a sharp or a flat (A♯ or B♭). The right choice depends on the key. A song in B♭ major uses B♭ and E♭, never A♯ and D♯, because every letter appears once in the scale. In Auto mode the tool works out the key, spells each chord to match, and picks the cleaner option when a key could be written two ways. Force sharps or flats if you prefer one style.
Common reasons to transpose
- To suit a voice. If the chorus is too high, move the whole song down a few half steps until it feels easy.
- For easier guitar shapes. Keys like G, C, D, A and E use open chords. Transposing into one of these avoids barre chords. A capo gets the same result without changing the sound, so try the capo calculator too.
- To match another instrument. Horn players and singers often need a different key from the guitarist.
Want to understand what you are transposing? The chord finder names chords from notes, and the chord chart shows every chord in every key at a glance. For a drill, try the Transpose Drill.
Frequently asked questions
How do I transpose a song?
Paste the chords and lyrics, then use the plus and minus buttons to move up or down in half steps, or pick the new key from the list. The song updates instantly and every chord keeps its place above the lyric.
How many half steps do I need to move?
Count the half steps from the old key to the new one. From C to D is 2, from G to B♭ is 3, from A to C is 3. Or just pick the new key from the list and the tool works it out.
Will it work on chords above lyrics?
Yes. It spots lines made of chords, shifts them, and keeps each chord aligned over the same word. It also handles ChordPro-style [Am] chords inside lyrics and bar lines like | Am | F |.
Why does it show A♯ in one song and B♭ in another?
In "Auto" mode the tool spells chords to suit the new key, so a song in B♭ shows B♭ and E♭ rather than A♯ and D♯. You can force sharps or flats if you prefer.
What about the capo?
To play a song in a new key without learning new shapes, use the capo calculator, which shows which shapes to play at each fret.
Does it store my song?
No. Everything happens in your browser. Your text is only saved on your own device so it is still there if you reload the page.