Definition of Absolute pitch
Absolute pitch (AP), often called perfect pitch, is the ability to identify or re-create a given pitch without the benefit of a reference tone. AP may be demonstrated using linguistic labelling ("naming" a note), associating mental imagery with the note, or sensorimotor responses. For example, an AP possessor can accurately reproduce a heard tone on a musical instrument without "hunting" for the correct pitch. However, pitch labelling is less common than pitch recall.
Related terms
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Frequently asked questions
What is Absolute pitch?
Absolute pitch (AP), often called perfect pitch, is the ability to identify or re-create a given pitch without the benefit of a reference tone.