Ear Training Game
Music Theory Resources
Notes
Musical notes are represented by the letters A through G. In Western music, there are 12 notes in an octave:
- C
- C# (also called Db)
- D
- D# (also called Eb)
- E
- F
- F# (also called Gb)
- G
- G# (also called Ab)
- A
- A# (also called Bb)
- B
The frequency of a note doubles with each octave. For example, A4 (440 Hz) is one octave below A5 (880 Hz).
Intervals
An interval is the distance between two notes. Common intervals include:
- Minor 2nd: One semitone (e.g., C to C#)
- Major 2nd: Two semitones (e.g., C to D)
- Minor 3rd: Three semitones (e.g., C to Eb)
- Major 3rd: Four semitones (e.g., C to E)
- Perfect 4th: Five semitones (e.g., C to F)
- Tritone: Six semitones (e.g., C to F#)
- Perfect 5th: Seven semitones (e.g., C to G)
- Minor 6th: Eight semitones (e.g., C to Ab)
- Major 6th: Nine semitones (e.g., C to A)
- Minor 7th: Ten semitones (e.g., C to Bb)
- Major 7th: Eleven semitones (e.g., C to B)
- Octave: Twelve semitones (e.g., C to C)
Chords
A chord consists of three or more notes played simultaneously. Common chord types include:
- Major Triad: Root, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th (e.g., C-E-G)
- Minor Triad: Root, Minor 3rd, Perfect 5th (e.g., C-Eb-G)
- Diminished Triad: Root, Minor 3rd, Diminished 5th (e.g., C-Eb-Gb)
- Augmented Triad: Root, Major 3rd, Augmented 5th (e.g., C-E-G#)
- Major 7th: Major triad plus Major 7th (e.g., C-E-G-B)
- Dominant 7th: Major triad plus Minor 7th (e.g., C-E-G-Bb)
- Minor 7th: Minor triad plus Minor 7th (e.g., C-Eb-G-Bb)
- Sus4: Root, Perfect 4th, Perfect 5th (e.g., C-F-G)
- Sus2: Root, Major 2nd, Perfect 5th (e.g., C-D-G)
Custom Practice
Focus on specific elements you want to practice:
Select Notes to Practice:
Select Intervals to Practice:
Select Chords to Practice:
Tutorial
How to Play
- Select a difficulty level from the dropdown menu.
- Click “Play Sound” to hear a note, interval, or chord.
- Select your answer from the options provided.
- Get immediate feedback on your answer.
- Track your progress and score as you go.
Beginner Level (Single Notes)
In this level, you’ll hear a single note and need to identify which note it is. This helps train your ability to recognize specific pitches.
Intermediate Level (Intervals)
You’ll hear two notes played in sequence and need to identify the interval between them. This helps develop your relative pitch.
Advanced Level (Chords)
You’ll hear multiple notes played simultaneously and need to identify the chord type. This helps with harmonic recognition.
Tips for Success
- Practice regularly, even if just for a few minutes each day.
- Use the “Repeat Sound” button if you need to hear it again.
- For intervals, try associating them with familiar song beginnings.
- For chords, focus on the emotional quality (happy for major, sad for minor, etc.).
- Use the visualization tools to see what you’re hearing.