Ear Trainer
Practise recognising musical intervals by ear, rising, falling or together.
About this tool
Choose a set of intervals (easy, medium or all 12) and how they're played: rising, falling, together or mixed. Press New interval, listen, then pick the answer. You'll see whether you were right, the correct interval highlighted, and a familiar tune that starts with it. Your score, streak and best streak are kept for this session. Nothing is stored.
How to train your ear for intervals
An interval is the distance between two notes, counted in semitones: a minor 2nd is 1, a major 3rd 4, a perfect 5th 7 and an octave 12. Recognising intervals by ear helps you play by ear, sing in tune, transcribe melodies, harmonise and improvise. It's a standard part of music exams such as the ABRSM aural tests. Most people learn fastest by linking each interval to the opening of a song they know. A rising perfect 4th is the start of "Here Comes the Bride", a perfect 5th the leap in "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", a major 6th "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" and an octave "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Start with a few contrasting intervals (major 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th and octave) until you score well, then add more. Practise falling and harmonic intervals too, because they sound different. Short daily sessions of five to ten minutes beat occasional long ones. Honest limits: notes are a simple synthesised tone in equal temperament, which is less rich than real instruments. Song references help early on but become unnecessary as you improve. Sound may need a tap first on some phones. The circle of fifths, the virtual piano and the guitar tuner are related.
Frequently asked questions
What is interval ear training?
Practising naming the distance between two notes by ear, which helps with playing by ear, singing and transcription.
Which intervals should I learn first?
Start with contrasting ones: major 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th and octave. Then add 2nds, minor 3rds and 6ths.
How can I remember intervals?
Link each one to a familiar tune, such as 'Here Comes the Bride' for a rising perfect 4th.
Is my score saved?
Only for the current session. Nothing is stored or sent.