Ear Training Fundamentals: Relative Pitch Generalization

Introduction to Relative Pitch Generalization, the innate ability of most humans to recognize harmonic relationships regardless of the absolute pitch…

The Phenomenon of Relative Pitch Generalization

Did you know that once you recognize a sequence of pitches in the form of a scale, melody, or chord progression in one key, you will instantly and effortlessly be able to recognize that scale, melody, or chord progression in any key and any register, even if it’s not in concert pitch?

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Example of Relative Pitch Generalization

First, listen to this…

(FYI, this is in the key of C)

Instant recognition, right?

Now listen to this…

(FYI, this is in the key of Eb)

Again, instant recognition!

Let’s do one more…

(FYI, this is in the key of A)

And again notice that you immediately and effortlessly recognize the song no matter what key it’s in.

In fact, we recognize this as as “Old McDonald” in any key for two reasons:

1. The harmonic relationships between the notes and with respect to the key center remain the same no matter what key you are in.
2. We are naturally wired to hear and recognize these harmonic relationships!

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Takeaways

1. Relative Pitch Generalization is the innate ability of almost all humans to hear and feel the harmonic relationships between pitches rather than their specific frequencies.
2. This phenomenon is the basis for studying scales, melodies, chords, and chord progressions in relative, not absolute melodic and harmonic terms.
3. This will all become clear when we learn about the Solfege System and Number System for studying scales and the Roman Numeral System for studying chord progressions.
4. Relative Pitch Generalization also provides the basic skill required for doing Associative Ear Training.

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