Synthesizer Tutorial - How to Play the Web Synth

How to Play

The synthesizer lets you play notes directly in your browser — no downloads needed.

1

Click piano keys on screen, or use your computer keyboard to play notes instantly.

2

Select different waveform types to change the character of the sound (sine, square, etc.).

3

Use the octave controls to move the keyboard range up or down for higher or lower notes.

4

The waveform display shows the sound wave in real time as you play.

Your computer keyboard maps to piano keys. The bottom row plays white keys and the top row plays black keys, arranged like a piano:

A C

W C♯

S D

E D♯

D E

F F

T F♯

G G

Y G♯

H A

U A♯

J B

The synthesizer generates sound using different waveforms — the shape of the sound wave. Each creates a distinct tone:

Pure, smooth, flute-like. The most basic and clean sound.

Hollow, retro, video-game-like. Rich in odd harmonics.

Bright, buzzy, brass-like. Rich in all harmonics.

Soft, mellow, clarinet-like. Somewhere between sine and square.

Start with sine wave — its clean tone makes it easiest to hear pitch and practice melodies.
Play simple melodies — try "Mary Had a Little Lamb" (E-D-C-D-E-E-E) or "Twinkle Twinkle" (C-C-G-G-A-A-G) to get started.
Shift octaves — use the octave buttons to explore different pitch ranges and find the sweet spot for your melody.
Watch the visualizer — the waveform display shows how different notes and waveforms look. It's a visual representation of sound.
Experiment with effects — try different waveforms, adjust the ADSR envelope, and add effects to shape your sound.
Use the synth alongside other games — play intervals, chords, or scales on the synth to reinforce what you learn in the ear training games.

Make the most of the synthesizer with these related tutorials and resources:

Note Reading Tutorial — Learn to read the notes you play on the keyboard.
Interval Training Tutorial — Play intervals on the synth to train your ear.
Chord Identification Tutorial — Build and play chords to hear how they sound.
Scale Identification Tutorial — Practice scales on the keyboard to learn their patterns.
Metronome Tutorial — Use the metronome to keep time while playing the synth.
Music Theory Guide — Reference guide for notes, intervals, chords, and scales.
Practice Tips — Incorporate free play into your daily practice routine.

Open the synthesizer and start making music!