Relative pitch training

What “relative pitch” actually means

Relative pitch is your ability to hear how far apart notes are (intervals) and how they function in a key. With a reference note (or a key center), you can identify melodies, chord progressions, and harmonies far faster than by guessing absolute notes.

The 10-minute routine (do this daily)

1. 2 min — Reference + sing: play a reference note, sing it back, then sing the major scale degrees (1–2–3–…).
2. 4 min — Interval recognition: drill 3–5 target intervals (e.g. m3, M3, P4, P5, m7). Keep it tight.
3. 3 min — Chords / function: identify major vs minor, then add dominant 7, diminished, etc. If you can, do it in a key (I, IV, V).
4. 1 min — Apply: pick a simple melody and find it by ear (even 2–4 bars).

Interval training tips that actually help

• Train fewer intervals at a time. Mastery beats “a little of everything”.
• Don’t only “label” intervals — sing them too. Singing locks it into your ear.
• Mix directions: ascending and descending.
• Once accuracy is decent, add speed: answer within 1–2 seconds.

Common mistakes

• Too long sessions: 60 minutes once a week is worse than 10 minutes daily.
• No reference: relative pitch needs a stable anchor (a key center, a drone, or a reference note).
• Only quizzes, no application: you must apply it to real music to make it stick.