Note Reading Quiz

Test your music reading skills! Identify notes on the staff and level up as you improve. Choose your clef and start practicing.

Your Progress

Level 1: Beginner

Staff notes only

Total Points

0

Progress to Level 2

100 points to go

Current Streak

0

Best: 0

Accuracy

100%

0/0 correct

What note is this?

Clef

Accidentals

Learn to Read Music Notes

Reading sheet music is a fundamental skill for any musician. Whether you play piano, guitar, violin, or any other instrument, understanding how to read notes on a musical staff opens up a world of music to you. This interactive note reading quiz helps you practice identifying notes on both the treble clef and bass clef.

Our gamified approach makes learning fun and effective. Start with notes on the staff lines and spaces, then progress to ledger lines as your skills improve. Track your progress with points and levels, build streaks for bonus points, and challenge yourself with accidentals when you're ready.

How It Works

Progressive Difficulty

Begin with notes on the staff (the five lines and four spaces). As you earn points and level up, new notes on ledger lines are unlocked. This gradual expansion helps you build confidence before tackling more challenging note positions.

Points & Levels

Earn points for each correct answer. Build streaks of consecutive correct answers to multiply your points (up to 2x bonus at 10+ streak!). Reach point milestones to advance through 5 levels: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert.

Clef Selection

Practice with the treble clef (for higher-pitched instruments like violin, flute, and right-hand piano), bass clef (for lower-pitched instruments like cello, bass, and left-hand piano), or both for complete grand staff reading practice.

Optional Accidentals

Enable sharps and flats for an extra challenge. Practice identifying C# vs C, Bb vs B, and all the chromatic notes in between. This prepares you for reading music in any key.

Note Reading Tips & Mnemonics

Treble Clef Lines

E - G - B - D - F

"Every Good Boy Does Fine"

Treble Clef Spaces

F - A - C - E

Spells "FACE"

Bass Clef Lines

G - B - D - F - A

"Good Boys Do Fine Always"

Bass Clef Spaces

A - C - E - G

"All Cows Eat Grass"

Ledger Line Tips

Ledger lines extend the staff above or below. The most important ledger line note to memorize is Middle C - it sits on its own ledger line below the treble clef staff and above the bass clef staff. From there, count up or down alphabetically (A-B-C-D-E-F-G, then repeat) to find other notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I read notes on ledger lines?

Ledger lines are short lines that extend the staff for notes too high or too low to fit. Count up or down from the nearest staff line using the musical alphabet (A-B-C-D-E-F-G). Remember that Middle C sits on its own ledger line between the treble and bass staves.

What's the difference between treble and bass clef?

The treble clef (G clef) is used for higher-pitched instruments and the right hand of piano. The bass clef (F clef) is used for lower-pitched instruments and the left hand of piano. Together, they form the "grand staff" that covers the full range of most instruments.

Is my progress saved?

Yes! Your points, level, streak records, and settings are automatically saved in your browser's local storage. You can close the page and return anytime to continue where you left off.

How long does it take to learn to read music?

With regular practice (15-20 minutes daily), most beginners can reliably identify staff notes within 2-4 weeks. Mastering ledger lines and reading fluently at tempo takes longer - typically several months of consistent practice. This quiz accelerates learning through repetition and immediate feedback.

What are sharps and flats?

Sharps (#) raise a note by a half step, and flats (b) lower a note by a half step. For example, C# is the black key between C and D on a piano. Enable accidentals in the quiz settings when you're ready to practice these chromatic notes.

Can I practice on mobile?

Yes! This quiz is fully responsive and works great on phones and tablets. The large answer buttons are designed for easy touch input, making it perfect for practice on the go.