Question 1

Can I play this piano with my computer keyboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Z to M plays the low octave, Q to U the middle octave, and I to P the high octave. Black keys are on the row above. Press ? to see the full shortcut list.

Question 2

Do I need to install anything?

Accepted Answer

No. Soundkeys runs in any modern web browser. You can also install it as a Progressive Web App for offline use on phones, tablets, laptops, and Chromebooks.

Question 3

Is Soundkeys completely free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely free. No signup or payment required. Soundkeys is supported by ads, which fund the hosting and ongoing development of this open educational resource.

Question 4

Is Soundkeys safe for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are no accounts, no chat, and no user-generated content. Soundkeys displays ads from Google AdSense, which are filtered for family-safe content. Parents who want a fully ad-free experience can use a content blocker.

Question 5

How many keys and instruments does it have?

Accepted Answer

Soundkeys has all 88 keys (A0 to C8, the full range of a standard acoustic piano) and 53 instruments across 12 categories: pianos, organs, mallets, bells, synth leads, synth pads, bass, strings, brass, woodwinds, plucked, and other synths.

Question 6

Does it work offline?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After your first visit, Soundkeys works completely offline as a Progressive Web App. This is ideal for students with limited or unreliable internet access.

Question 7

Is Soundkeys good for music teachers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Music teachers worldwide use Soundkeys to demonstrate scales, chords, intervals, and instrument timbres to students who do not have access to a physical piano. Works on any device with a web browser.

Question 8

What devices does Soundkeys work on?

Accepted Answer

Any device with a modern web browser: laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, Chromebooks. No installation required, but you can install it as a PWA for one-tap access.

Question 9

Can I tune my guitar / violin / ukulele with Soundkeys?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Soundkeys includes a free instrument tuner with two modes: (1) Reference tone mode — click a string and the app plays the tuning pitch continuously so you can match it by ear; (2) Microphone tuner mode — Soundkeys listens to your instrument through your device's microphone and shows the detected note plus how many cents flat or sharp you are. Supports guitar (EADGBE), bass (EADG), ukulele (GCEA), violin (GDAE), viola (CGDA), cello (CGDA), and double bass (EADG). A4 reference pitch is adjustable from 440 to 443 Hz for orchestral use.

Question 10

Is the online tuner accurate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The microphone tuner uses an autocorrelation pitch-detection algorithm running in the browser via the Web Audio API, with sub-cent visual resolution. Accuracy depends on your microphone quality and ambient noise — quiet environments give the best results.

Question 11

Does Soundkeys have a free online metronome?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Soundkeys includes a built-in free online metronome with adjustable BPM from 40 to 240, multiple time signatures (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8), accent on the first beat, and a visual beat indicator. No download or signup required.

Question 12

What is the best free online metronome?

Accepted Answer

Soundkeys offers a free, accurate online metronome integrated into a 53-instrument virtual piano. It works in any browser, runs offline as a PWA, and uses the Web Audio API for sample-accurate timing — ideal for music students and practice sessions.

Question 13

Is Soundkeys accessible for users with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Soundkeys uses the Atkinson Hyperlegible font (designed for low-vision readers), full keyboard navigation, ARIA labels, high contrast, and respects reduced-motion preferences. It is designed to be playable by anyone.

Soundkeys

Ear Training

Music Theory

Instrument Tuner