* For smartphone users, please play in landscape mode.
* If there is no sound, please turn off silent mode.
- A sound will play when you start the pitch test.
- Click the key on the keyboard that matches the sound you heard!
- After finishing all questions, your absolute pitch level will be displayed out of 100 points.
What is Absolute Pitch? Explanation of How to Check and Characteristics
The term “Absolute Pitch” (or Perfect Pitch) is famous, but surprisingly few people understand it correctly.
Definition of Absolute Pitch
Absolute pitch is the ability to instantly recognize the pitch of a heard sound (by note names like Do-Re-Mi) without comparing it to other sounds.
Some people can even hear everyday sounds (like sirens or tapping a rice bowl) as musical notes.
Simple Ways to Check for Absolute Pitch
Even without taking a special test, if the following apply to you, there is a high possibility that you have absolute pitch.
- You can start singing in the correct key immediately without a reference pitch.
- You hear daily sounds or train departure melodies as notes (Do-Re-Mi).
- You feel a strong sense of discomfort when hearing an instrument that is out of tune.
Difference Between Absolute and Relative Pitch
These two are often confused, but they are completely different.
| Feature | Absolute Pitch | Relative Pitch |
| Basis of Judgment | Judged by the sound alone | Comparison with another sound (reference note) |
| Acquisition Period | Peaks in childhood (up to approx. age 6) | Possible even as an adult |
| Role in Music | Can name heard sounds immediately | Understanding modulation and melody flow |
In conclusion:
For enjoying or playing music, it is said that relative pitch is sufficient. Absolute pitch is closer to a “nice to have” special skill.
Is “Absolute Pitch Training” for Adults Meaningless?
We often receive the question, “Can I acquire absolute pitch even after becoming an adult?”
The Issue of the Brain’s “Critical Period”
Generally, absolute pitch is considered to be acquired by receiving music education during childhood when the brain is developing.
Since the adult brain is already fixed, the reality is that it is extremely difficult to acquire “perfect absolute pitch” like that of childhood from scratch.
Developing the Sense of “Fixed Do”
However, through training, it is possible to acquire a “pseudo-absolute pitch,” such as being able to identify specific piano tones.
- Thoroughly burn one specific note into your memory.
- Practice judging other notes based on that reference note.
If you repeat this practice, you will be able to identify notes in a way that looks like absolute pitch at first glance.
Summary: Let’s Train Pitch Fun with Games
How was your absolute pitch score?
Whether you got “100 points!” or felt “It was no good at all…”, a sense of pitch becomes a lifelong treasure for enjoying music.
- Compete for scores with friends and family
- Test yourself once a day and enjoy the changes in your senses
In this way, continuing to interact with sound like a game is the first step to improving your ears.
If you think, “I want to be able to do more practical ‘playing by ear’!”, please read this page as well.
