The Complete Idiot''s Guide to Music Theory

Chapter 18:Composing and Arranging for Voices and Instruments

listed (they’re grouped by family and alphabetized), you’ll find the actual range
(in concert pitch), and how you have to transpose those notes when you’re writing
for that instrument. (Mark my words: You’d better bookmark this table now!)

Instrument Ranges

Instrument Range (Concert Pitch) Write It ...

Strings (bowed)

Violin Concert pitch

Viola Concert pitch

Cello Concert pitch

Double bass One octave higher

than concert pitch

Strings ( plucked)

Guitar One octave higher

than concert pitch

Banjo Concert pitch

Mandolin Concert pitch

Electric bass One octave higher

than concert pitch

233

continues