How to tell if you're singing in tune using free websites + apps to improve your pitch accuracy

Updated on 5/28/2024

By Camille van Niekerk

Online singing lessons allow you to learn at your own pace, review previous lessons on demand, and access instruction on any topic, any time.

But there’s one component that video lessons can’t easily account for.

The ability to measure your pitch accuracy.

Within a one-on-one vocal lesson online, a skilled teacher is the one providing feedback on your pitch accuracy.

So how can we get that feedback without a teacher?

Good news: there’s an abundance of technology that you can use to analyze your pitch accuracy and train your ear - at no additional cost.

Read on to learn about new apps to show you how to sing in tune!

Pitch Matching

The simplest way to begin training your ear is to work on matching pitch.

This is the best way to improve if you are still figuring out how to sing in tune.

Remember, pitch is the “highness” or “lowness” of a note, and it is notated with both a pitch letter name and an octave number.

For example, “middle C” on the piano is called “C4” in scientific pitch notation.

This is the 4th 'C' note up from the bottom of a standard 88 key piano.

A soprano’s “high C” refers to the pitch “C6,” the 6th 'C' note up from the bottom.

And most orchestras tune their instruments to the pitch “A4.”

You can hear what these pitches sound like by using a virtual keyboard with scientific pitch notation: https://www.harpkit.com/online-tuner.

To match pitch, you must sing the same pitch that you’re playing as a reference.

For example, if you play a C4 and then sing a C4, then you are matching pitch correctly.

To determine which pitch you’re singing, use a chromatic tuner online from our friends over at Singing Carrots.

*Note: chromatic tuners like the one above are very sensitive, so you may see that you’re close to the reference pitch, but are not 100% “on.”

With this particular tuner you'll see a reference line where your singing pitch is compared to a keyboard.

So you can adjust your pitch in real-time!

A singer can be a few cents/micro-tones flat or sharp before most listeners would notice they’re “out of tune.”

Give yourself a small margin of error, even the pros aren't perfect.

Comfortable Vocal Range

You’ll have a much easier time matching pitch within your comfortable singing range.

Determining your vocal range is one of the most important things you can do as a singer.

1) Open the Singing Carrots Vocal Range Finder Test and allow your computer microphone to be on.

2) Sing your lowest comfortible note.

3) Sing your highest comfortible note.

4) You have your vocal range!

Singing Carrots will save your lowest and highest notes so you can determine where your range lands.

Here’s a general range guide for your reference:

Soprano: C4-C6

Mezzo-soprano: A3-A5

Alto: F3-E5

Tenor : B2-A4

Baritone: G2-F4

Bass : E2-E4

Vocal Exercise and Song Accuracy 

Both of the apps below contain voice exercises and songs for you to practice, while providing real-time analysis of your pitch accuracy.

As you explore these apps, note the “range” listed and adjust as necessary.

Remember, these exercises do not provide any instruction on vocal technique: they’re just for ear training and improving your pitch accuracy.

They’re great for this specific purpose, but I don’t suggest upgrading to the paid versions (unless you want access to more exercises). 

Both iOS and Android: SingSharp

iOS only: PerfectPitch

Another good iOS app for ear training is called SingTrue.

If you want to purchase add-ons in this app, they can be useful.

Note: the above apps require you to use headphones while you practice.

This is so that your phone’s microphone doesn’t pick up on the exercise or reference pitches, only your voice. 

Karaoke Apps

It’s one thing to match pitch and sing in tune during vocal exercises.

It’s another thing to stay in tune while you’re singing a song.

This is where many singers struggle.

Because during Karaoke, the melody of the song is not typically played as a guide. 

To ensure that you’re staying in the correct key with good pitch accuracy, use a karaoke app like Smule.

Smule displays the melody on-screen and analyzes your pitch in real time.

Higher on the screen denotes higher pitch, whereas lower on the screen denotes lower pitch.

The rhythm of each lyric (or syllable) is displayed via the length of the bar.

If you are always stumped for what song to choose when hitting the karaoke bar, check out our list of best karaoke songs for low voices.

Final Thoughts

Go ahead and adjust your singing according to the feedback you receive from tuners and pitch apps.

With this, you are training your ear and your voice to coordinate better with one another.

As we’ve mentioned before, the vast majority of singers are not “tone deaf.”

Rather, they’re untrained and inexperienced when it comes to hearing pitches and singing them back (pitch matching).

Or when learning melodies and singing them without a guide vocal (singing “on-key”).

Eventually, you won’t need to rely as heavily on a chromatic tuner or pitch app to tell you when you’re in tune or not.

The ultimate goal is to train your ear.

Then you can tell the difference between “in tune”, “flat”, and “sharp.”

And make the necessary adjustments to sing in tune.

FAQ

Can I teach myself to sing in tune?

Absolutely! With regular practice and the right techniques, you can definitely teach yourself to sing in tune. There are plenty of resources like online vocal lessons, apps, and exercises to help you improve.

How can I train my voice to sing in tune?

You can train your voice by practicing scales, using a piano or a tuning app to check your pitch, and doing ear training exercises. Recording yourself and getting feedback can also be really helpful.

Why do I struggle to sing in tune?

Struggling to sing in tune can be due to a lack of ear training, muscle memory in your vocal cords, or simply not having enough practice. It can also be influenced by confidence and familiarity with the song.

Why do I always sing flat?

Singing flat often happens because you might not be supporting your voice with enough breath control or you might be tensing up. It can also be a result of not hearing the pitch accurately.

Do most people sing flat or sharp?

Most people tend to sing flat rather than sharp. This is usually because it's easier to undershoot a note rather than overshoot it.

How do I stop falling flat when singing?

To stop falling flat, focus on proper breath support, relax your vocal cords, and practice regularly with a tuner or piano. Strengthening your ear training can also make a big difference.

How to stay on pitch while singing?

Staying on pitch involves consistent practice, good breath control, and ear training. Recording yourself and listening back can help you identify and correct any pitch issues.

Why can't some people sing?

Some people struggle with singing due to a lack of ear training or muscle control in the vocal cords. In rare cases, it might be due to tone deafness, but most people can improve with practice.

How to increase the pitch of voice?

Increasing the pitch of your voice involves practicing scales and exercises that stretch your vocal range. It’s important to warm up properly and avoid straining your voice.

How to sing deeper?

To sing deeper, focus on relaxation and proper breath support. Practice exercises that target your lower vocal range and make sure you're not straining your voice.