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Barbershop chord recognition tutorial |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Here are the answers to some questions that you may have....
The tutorial has to do some unusual things with the browser in order to give you practice at hearing chords; while this is not especially complex, it does mean that if a browser is going to fall over it is likely to fall over trying to render these pages. In short, if it doesn't work with your usual browser, try a recent version of Internet Explorer or Netscape, which should be OK. I recommend you download the tutorial to your own computer, rather than access it on the Internet - this will improve response time.
You can adjust the size in your browser. Look on the menu, perhaps under View | Text size. The tutorial is intended to be read at a size that is comfortable for you; the page layout should adapt accordingly.
No, you can download the tutorial to your own computer, and use it offline. Doing so will improve the response time. 
Can I download the tutorial to my computer?
Yes, and it's a good idea. Here's the zip file: chordrec.zip (about 400kB) (Easy instructions for MSWindows: To download, right click, then choose "Save As.." or "Save Target As..". Double click on the file when downloaded to decompress it. Double click on index.html to begin the tutorial.) There could be quite a few reasons:
A good test is to try to play any midi file on whatever program your computer normally uses to play midi files (generally Media Player under MSWindows). If that doesn't work, the tutorial won't. Again, under MSWindows (sorry to emphasise one operating system, but that's what most people have), there is a little loudspeaker icon in the very bottom right corner of the screen; double click on it, and see if the Play Control and Midi volumes and mutes are set correctly. If it doesn't work, it's probably not your fault - this area can be tricky. Some of the later Creative soundcards are especially difficult - lots of options to set correctly.
Why do I get funny error messages?
Probably because your browser doesn't understand the tutorial. Please see Will this tutorial work with my browser?.
I hope that there's a steady path of progress through the tutorial, so that if you know a bit already you can find your own starting place from the contents page. If you feel you have minimal confidence at first, start at the beginning; I've tried to make very few assumptions about existing knowledge. As with all learning, the practical part is what counts. "I do : I understand". It's better to use the practice tests in several short sessions, rather than a single long one. You'll probably find that if you keep coming back to a practice test (even if you've moved on in the tutorial), the sense of instant recognition of the sound of the chords will grow.
No. I believe that the best way to use the tutorial is to keep returning to it for more practice in different sections, so there is limited point in trying to bookmark where you've got to. And the practice tests are there for you not me - the scores are less important than the practice, so there's little point in storing how well you did. That's for you to decide.
No. The tutorial does not store your progress. See Will the tutorial remember how far I've got?.
Click all the buttons. Only your first attempt counts towards your score. If you got it wrong first time, listen to the sample and try again (rather than click randomly) - it's a good learning opportunity.
Yes, please. The tutorial has a lot of pages, and even more files of music - it's inevitable that there will be blunders, and it would be very helpful to know.
The tutorial is Copyright © BABS 2002. It may be freely downloaded for personal use. If you wish to distribute it please ask. |
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If you think I've mislabelled one of the test pieces, you can identify which one it is
by moving your mouse to the bottom right corner of the player. There's a tiny dot there
- if you click on it (when your cursor turns to a pointer), you'll get a sample number
from which I can identify the offender. Please tell me which practice test it was too.
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