transpose.siteFrequently asked questions
Basics
Which files work?
PDF scores that contain text — like PDFs bought from sheet music stores, where TAB numbers and chord names are stored as characters. Photos and scanned scores aren't supported yet.
What does it change?
Guitar and bass TAB numbers and the chord names above the staff, moved to the key you choose. It does not move the notes on the staff itself.
How big can a file be?
Up to 20 MB and 20 pages.
Which keys can I pick?
All 12. If you set the original key you can choose the new key by name; otherwise move up or down in half steps.
TAB numbers
How are the numbers changed?
Among the positions that give the same note, it picks the one with the least hand movement that keeps the original fingering shape. In Settings you can also keep the original strings as much as possible, or keep every string and change only frets.
What are the yellow numbers?
Notes that would fall outside the instrument's range (like below the open E on a 4-string bass) were moved by an octave. Check them and edit if you like.
I want a different fingering.
Drag a number up or down onto another string and it becomes the fret for the same note. Tap a number to type a fret, or on phones use the ▲▼ buttons.
Does it handle other tunings?
Yes. In Settings, set the score's tuning and your instrument's tuning separately (standard, half step down, whole step down, drop).
Chords
Which chords are supported?
Most: maj7, m7(b5), sus4, add9, slash chords (G/B, D/F#) and more. Sharps or flats are chosen to fit the new key, or you can force always ♯ or always ♭ in Settings.
A chord came out wrong.
Tap it and type the chord you want. Leave it empty to go back to the automatic result.
Play along
What about TAB with two guitars (or guitar and bass)?
Several TAB staves on one line are read as parts played together. Pick Guitar 1, Guitar 2 or All together under Part, and choosing Bass switches to the bass part.
How do I practise a hard passage?
Loop the bars with A and B (or This bar) and slow down to 50–75%. Under More, Grow loop adds a bar each pass and Speed up gradually makes each pass 5% faster.
Privacy
Are my score files uploaded?
No. Scores are processed inside your browser on this device and never sent to a server.
Do you collect personal data?
There are no accounts and we never ask for your name or email. Anonymous usage statistics (like how many conversions) help us improve, but never file names or score contents.
Troubleshooting
It says no numbers or chords were found.
The PDF most likely has no text (a scan or photo). Try getting a text PDF of the score.
Does it work on phones?
Yes. If the score is too small to drag, tap a number and use ▲▼, or zoom in.