Chord Transposer
Shift a whole chord sheet between keys โ capo math included.
About this transposer
Paste a chord sheet โ bare chords or chords over lyrics โ and step it up or down by semitones. Qualities (m7, sus4, dim), extensions and slash chords (G/B) all transpose intact; lyric lines pass through untouched; and the sharps-or-flats spelling follows convention with a manual override.
Transposing like a working musician
The commonest real request is a singer's "take it up a tone" โ hence the +2 default. The craft details handled: accidental spelling matters (going up spells sharps, coming down spells flats โ F# and Gb are the same fret but different sentences), and slash-chord bass notes must move WITH the chord or the bassist plays in the old key. The guitarist's shortcut the capo hint automates: transposing DOWN n semitones equals capo n with the original shapes โ and open-shape keys (G, C, D, E, A) are why guitarists transpose at all. Singers hunting their key: move the song so its highest note sits a comfortable step below your ceiling. Tune first, find the tempo, and check a chord by ear next door.
Frequently asked questions
How many semitones is 'up a tone'?
Two โ the most common transposition request and this tool's default. A semitone is one fret or one piano key; a tone is two.
Do slash chords transpose correctly?
Yes โ G/B up two semitones becomes A/C#, both halves moving together. A bass note left behind puts the bassist in the wrong key, which is why the tool never does it.
Why did my sharps become flats?
Convention: upward transpositions spell sharps, downward spell flats โ same pitches, conventional spelling. The override forces either if your band reads differently.
How does the capo trick work?
Capo at fret n raises open shapes by n semitones โ so instead of transposing down 3, capo 3 and play the ORIGINAL shapes. The hint line computes it for whatever shift you dial.