Compare two melodies

Match short note sequences one position at a time.

Keep the notes in order

1 of 4

AC4D4E4BC4D4E4
Written sequences: A = C4, D4, E4; B = C4, D4, E4.

A melody is a sequence of pitches. In this practice, A and B have the same length and rhythm: either every pitch matches or one note changes. Keep the order, not just the set of notes. The labelled diagrams here are written examples, not a test of your hearing.

Notes use C D E F G A B. ♯ raises a note one semitone; ♭ lowers it one.

Lesson help

Compare corresponding positions. Choose “same” only when every note matches.

About this lesson

Try the method in a practice when you are ready.

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Keep the notes in order

A melody is a sequence of pitches. In this practice, A and B have the same length and rhythm: either every pitch matches or one note changes. Keep the order, not just the set of notes. The labelled diagrams here are written examples, not a test of your hearing.

Notes use C D E F G A B. ♯ raises a note one semitone; ♭ lowers it one.

AC4D4E4BC4D4E4
Written sequences: A = C4, D4, E4; B = C4, D4, E4.

Find the first mismatch

A is C4, D4, E4. B is C4, F4, E4. The first notes match and the last notes match, but the second note changes from D4 to F4. One changed position is enough to choose “changed”, even when the rest sounds familiar.

AC4D4E4BC4F4E4
Written sequences: A = C4, D4, E4; B = C4, F4, E4.

Check one more pair

Read A as C4, E4, G4 and B as C4, E4, A4. Compare first with first, then second with second, then third with third. In the listening practice, use the same order while remembering A.

AC4E4G4BC4E4A4
Written sequences: A = C4, E4, G4; B = C4, E4, A4.

Try it

Which position changes in the last pair?

  1. The second note
  2. The third note
Show the answer

The third note

Correct. The third note changes from G4 to A4. The first two positions match.

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Practice Melody match