Relative Pitch Test
Relative pitch is a blanket term referring to several distinct aural abilities, so there is no canonical test to take. Sometimes when we search for relative pitch test, we actually have something specific in mind so check to see if you find what you're looking for below. If you meant naming notes with no reference at all, that's absolute pitch, and there is a test for perfect pitch. To learn more about relative pitch and the research behind training it, start at our ear training hub.
Can I identify the distance between two notes?
Two notes sound at the same time and you name the interval between them.
How this test is set up
- Answers
- Twelve intervals, minor 2nd through the octave
- Playback
- Both notes together
- Root note
- Moves every trial, inside one octave
- Instrument
- Piano
Can I recognize the function of a note in a key?
A cadence establishes a major key, then identify the scale degree of the sounding note.
How this test is set up
- Answers
- The seven degrees of the major scale, by number
- Context
- A cadence establishes the key before each note
- Key
- Major, moves every trial
- Range
- C4 to B4
- Instrument
- Piano
Can I identify and distinguish basic chord qualities?
Major, minor, diminished and augmented triads, all in root position, played as blocks, with the root moving every trial. This is a shape often asked on music school entrance exams.
How this test is set up
- Answers
- Major, minor, diminished, augmented
- Playback
- Block, all notes together
- Position
- Root position only
- Root note
- Moves every trial, across two octaves
- Instrument
- Piano
Can I tell the difference between common chords?
Major and minor triads with common seventh variants.
How this test is set up
- Answers
- Major, minor, major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th
- Playback
- Block, all notes together
- Position
- Root position only
- Root note
- Moves every trial, across two octaves
- Instrument
- Piano
Can I identify the chords of a song by ear?
Four-chord chord progressions built from the chords most popular Western music is made of.
How this test is set up
- Answers
- Roman numerals: I, IV, V and vi
- Progression
- Four chords long
- Key
- Established by the progression itself
- Key center
- Moves every trial
- Instrument
- Piano
Can I tell the difference between major and minor scales?
Major and all three forms of minor run up and then back down so you can hear the full scales.
How this test is set up
- Answers
- Major, natural minor, harmonic minor, melodic minor
- Playback
- Up, then back down
- Starting note
- Moves every trial
- Instrument
- Piano
Can I accurately reproduce basic rhythms?
Notate basic rhythms on a rhythm staff. Simple meters with a click track running underneath to hold the pulse for you.
How this test is set up
- Meters
- 4/4 and 3/4
- Click track
- On
- Instrument
- Piano
Can I transcribe highly advanced, irregular rhythms?
Compound and asymmetric meters only, with syncopation, tuplets and ties across barlines, without a click track. You have to find the beat yourself before you can write anything down.
How this test is set up
- Meters
- Compound and asymmetric only
- Click track
- Off
- Length
- 18 to 23 seconds
Can I transcribe basic melodies?
Transcribe a basic melody onto an interactive staff. Simple meter, treble clef, with a basic rhythm.
How this test is set up
- Meters
- 4/4 and 3/4
- Clef
- Treble
- Instrument
- Piano
Can I transcribe complex, university-level melodies?
Compound and asymmetric meters, four clefs including alto and tenor, five instruments rotating, and melodies as long as conservatory tests.
How this test is set up
- Meters
- Compound and asymmetric only
- Clefs
- Treble, bass, alto, tenor
- Instruments
- Five, varying
- Length
- 24 to 30 seconds
Build your own
If you had something else in mind, open any trainer on our ear training hub, select the options you want, and click Copy shareable link. The link is permanent, works for anyone with no accounts, and is consistent enough to use as an assignment. You can download results from any test as a PDF that records the configuration and performance analysis. The progress page also keeps your history in your browser so you can regenerate any report later.