How accurate is the pitch detector?

Our tool is highly accurate, with a precision of within ±5 cents of a note. It uses the industry-standard YIN algorithm for reliable, real-time analysis suitable for both musicians and audio professionals. For more details, see our accuracy tests .

Is my audio data private and secure?

Absolutely. Your privacy is our top priority. All audio processing is done locally in your browser. No audio is ever recorded, stored, or sent to a server. You can read our full data security policy for more information.

The detector isn't working. What should I do?

First, ensure you have granted microphone access in your browser. If it's still not working, try using a quiet, echo-free environment and holding a clear, steady note. For a complete list of solutions, please visit our troubleshooting page .

What are 'cents' in music?

A 'cent' is a unit of measurement for musical intervals. There are 100 cents in one semitone (the distance between two adjacent notes on a piano). Our meter shows how many cents sharp (positive value) or flat (negative value) your note is, allowing for very precise tuning.

What is the difference between pitch and frequency?

Frequency is the scientific measurement of a sound wave's vibrations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Pitch is the musical term for how high or low a note sounds to our ears. While they are related, pitch is a subjective perception, whereas frequency is an objective measurement. Learn more in our glossary .

Can I use this to tune my guitar?

Yes! This tool works perfectly as an online guitar tuner. Simply play each string one at a time and use the feedback to adjust the tuning pegs until the note is perfect. It works for acoustic and electric guitars (if played through an amplifier).

How to Detect Pitch in MP3, WAV, and M4A Files (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Sometimes you need to analyze pitch from recordings instead of singing or playing live. Whether you’re working with choir recordings, vocal tracks, or instrument practice sessions, the Audio-File Pitch Detector makes it simple, private, and accurate.

This guide gives you a step-by-step tutorial for detecting pitch in MP3, WAV, and M4A files.

Why Detect Pitch from Recordings?

Vocal Training: Check pitch accuracy in rehearsal recordings.
Choir Directors: Analyze harmony and intonation in group tracks.
Music Producers: Evaluate pitch stability in vocal stems or solos.
Instrumentalists: Track tuning accuracy in practice sessions.

Unlike live pitch detection, this tool lets you review performances anytime and pinpoint accuracy issues after recording.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Pitch Detection from Audio Files

Step 1: Open the Audio-File Pitch Detector

Go to Audio-File Pitch Detector in your browser.

No downloads needed.
Works on desktop, laptop, or mobile browsers.

Step 2: Upload Your Audio File

Click Upload File and select your file:

MP3: Most common for music and vocals.
WAV: Uncompressed, best quality.
M4A: Used on Apple devices, good compression.

Step 3: Processing & Analysis

The tool analyzes the file locally in your browser (privacy guaranteed).
It detects the fundamental pitch in each audio segment.
Results show note names, frequency in Hz, and ±cents deviation.

Step 4: Interpret Results

Watch for:

Note stability: Are notes steady or drifting?
±Cents deviation: 0–5¢ = in tune, >10¢ = needs correction.
Pitch flicker: See Pitch Flicker Fixes for troubleshooting tips.

Step 5: Save or Review Findings

Some versions let you export results for teaching or personal reference.
Use recordings to track progress over time.

Pro Tips for Best Accuracy

Factor	Recommendation
File Quality	Use WAV for best accuracy
Recording Environment	Quiet, minimal background noise
Microphone Quality	External mic > built-in laptop mic
Volume Levels	Avoid clipping or very low signals

For high-register detection tips, read Whistle & High Register Detection.

Privacy & Security

No audio uploads to external servers.
All processing happens in your browser.
No accounts or personal data required.

For details, see Privacy-First Pitch Detection.

FAQs

1. Can I analyze multiple files?
Not simultaneously; upload one file at a time for accuracy.

2. Does it work for speech files?
Yes, as long as pitch information is present in the recording.

3. Are long files supported?
Yes, but processing may take longer for full-length songs.

Ornella

Pitch Detector is a project by Ornella, blending audio engineering and web technology to deliver precise, real-time pitch detection through your browser. Designed for musicians, producers, and learners who want fast, accurate tuning without installing any software.