Absolute Pitch or Relative Pitch The Pros and Cons

By definition the two are slightly different.

Absolute Pitch is the ability to hear a note and identify it's tone.

Relative Pitch is being able to distinguish and recognize intervals.

So, which is better?

Absolute Pros:

Those that have it naturally can spot notes and identify them from memory (remember this can be taught and learnt). Studies have also revealed that those who have had absolute pitch from an early age can switch it on and off like a radio.

Absolute Cons:

Pitch is variable; take the guitar for instance. When a guitar is tuned with a tuner the tuner needle can be seen to flicker up and down in pitch slightly, demonstrating how pitch is not static. Imagine a pianist reciting a piece on a piano half a tone out, for someone with absolute pitch it could be a nightmare, because of this those with absolute benefit from learning relative pitch.

Relative Pros:

One advantage with relative is we can be comfortable with tones sounding at any pitch across the sound spectrum. If you your ear isn't absolute you are able perceive intervals freely. One good example is transcribing orchestrated music. Through the various record methods the pitch of the recording can change giving someone with absolute pitch a head ache but those with relative an opportunity to open there mind and transcribe freely.

Rock bands often detune slightly from A440 (for whatever reason) again transcribing with relative allows you to easily hear the intervals without distraction.

As an example of this check out Sigur Ros' Hippipolla. This wonderful song is not in standard A440. See if you can transcribe this track using relative pitch and interval recognition (don't worry about not having a full understanding I will give you some transcribing tips in coming blogs :)) you will soon see that if you play along with the piano at A440 it won't be in tune, it will be very slightly out. With absolute pitch this song would present many challenges. Have fun and enjoy...let me know how you get on?



So to sum up Relative vs Absolute are both essential to your music ear training. You are at a definite advantage learning relative pitch, however absolute is a skill that will naturally develop and in the long term the two will go had in hand together. You will utilize both techniques.

Until next time......