Change key · keep the spacing · capo tips
Chord Transposer
Paste a chord chart or song sheet, move it up or down, and copy the result. Chord lines keep their spacing so the chords stay above the right words. Works with slash chords (D/F#), sevenths, sus chords and chords in [square brackets].
How to transpose chords
Transposing moves every chord by the same distance. One semitone is one fret on the guitar: C → C# → D → D# → E → F → F# → G → G# → A → A# → B → C. To move a song from G to A, every chord goes up 2 semitones: G → A, D → E, Em → F#m, C → D. The chord type (minor, 7, sus4) never changes — only the letter name.
Transpose or use a capo?
If the new key has awkward barre chords, keep the original shapes and use a capo instead. A capo on fret 2 raises everything 2 semitones, so G-shape chords sound in A. The capo calculator finds the fret with the most open chords for any key.
Common reasons to transpose
- Fit a singer's range — move down if the high notes strain, up if the low notes disappear.
- Avoid barre chords — move a song in Bb or F to A or G and play it with open chords.
- Play with other instruments — horn players often prefer flat keys (Bb, Eb, F).
Questions
How do I transpose a song to a different key?
Count the semitones between the old key and the new one (one fret = one semitone), then move every chord by that amount. This tool does it automatically: paste the chords, choose the number of semitones and copy the result.
Does transposing change minor chords to major?
No. Only the root letter changes; a minor chord stays minor, a 7th stays a 7th. Am moved up 2 semitones becomes Bm.
Should I use sharps or flats?
It depends on the key. Keys like F, Bb and Eb are written with flats; G, D, A and E with sharps. "Automatic" picks the usual spelling for the new key.