FAQ
Got questions? We've got answers. Find everything you need to know about R.I.T.H.M.
Getting Started
What is R.I.T.H.M?
R.I.T.H.M is an interactive music theory learning platform. We use gamification to make learning music theory fun and effective. Our games help you learn to read notes, recognize intervals and chords, and train your ear — all essential skills for any musician. Check out our Music Theory Guide to learn the fundamentals.
Is R.I.T.H.M free to use?
Yes! All of our games and features are completely free. Create an account to save your progress and appear on the leaderboards.
Do I need any musical background?
Not at all! R.I.T.H.M is designed for complete beginners. Each game has a Beginner difficulty level that starts with the basics. As you improve, you can move up to Intermediate and Advanced levels. Our 16-Week Lesson Plan is a great place to start, and our Practice Tips will help you learn efficiently.
What devices can I use?
R.I.T.H.M works on any device with a web browser — computers, tablets, and phones. For the best experience with our synthesizer and audio games, we recommend using headphones.
Games & Learning
What games are available?
We currently offer five learning modules, plus tools:
- Note Reading — Learn to read notes on the staff (tutorial)
- Interval Training — Recognize the distance between notes (tutorial)
- Chord Identification — Identify major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords (tutorial)
- Scale Identification — Recognize scales by their step patterns (tutorial)
- Ear Training — Develop your ear for pitch (tutorial)
- Web Synthesizer — Experiment with sound and practice concepts (tutorial)
- Metronome — Practice rhythm and timing (tutorial)
What do the difficulty levels mean?
- Beginner — Starts with the basics. Fewer options, more time to think.
- Intermediate — More concepts introduced, good for building skills.
- Advanced — Full range of concepts. The real challenge!
How does the synthesizer work?
Our web synthesizer lets you play notes using your mouse or keyboard. You can choose between different synth types (Poly Synth or FM Synth) for different sounds. It's a great tool for experimenting with intervals, chords, and melodies you've learned. See the Synthesizer Tutorial for keyboard mapping and tips.
Why is there no sound?
Modern browsers require user interaction before playing audio. Look for a "Tap to Enable Audio" button and click/tap it. Also make sure your device volume is up and not muted. If you're still having trouble, try refreshing the page.
Account & Progress
Do I need an account?
You can play all games without an account, but your progress won't be saved. Creating a free account lets you:
- Save your progress across sessions
- Track your stats and accuracy over time
- Appear on the leaderboards
- Sync progress across devices
How do I submit my score to the leaderboard?
After completing at least 10 attempts in a game, a "Submit to Leaderboard" button will appear. Click it to record your score. Your score is tracked per game and per difficulty level, so you can compete separately at each level.
What's the difference between All-Time and Weekly leaderboards?
- All-Time — Cumulative scores from all your submitted sessions. Shows total dedication over time.
- Weekly — Only counts scores from the current week (resets every Monday). Great for friendly competition!
I didn't receive my verification email. What do I do?
First, check your spam/junk folder — verification emails sometimes end up there. If you still can't find it, visit the resend verification page to request a new email. Make sure to use the same email address you registered with.
Technical
What is dark mode?
R.I.T.H.M supports both dark and light modes. Click the moon/sun icon in the top navigation bar to toggle between them. By default, we'll use your system preference if available.
Can I use keyboard shortcuts?
Yes! The synthesizer supports keyboard input. Use the keys A, W, S, E, D, F, T, G, Y, H, U, J to play notes like a piano (A = C, W = C#, S = D, etc.). See the full mapping in the Synthesizer Tutorial. The metronome can also be controlled with the Spacebar.
Helpful Links
Explore our tutorials and resources to get the most out of R.I.T.H.M:
- Music Theory Guide — Comprehensive reference for notes, intervals, chords, and scales.
- Practice Tips — Strategies for effective learning and faster progress.
- 16-Week Lesson Plan — A structured path from beginner to advanced.
- Leaderboard — Track your scores and compete with other learners.