HOW IT WORKS

  • Get started by selecting your midi device in the global settings.
  • Hover over a block and click on the gear icon to select a widget and configure its settings.
  • Resize and drag your widgets until you've created an ideal layout for your screen size. (Enter fullscreen and collapse the side drawer for more space)
  • Try it out with your midi controller, or watch the tutorial below for using your own midi files as input. Whether you're studying new sheet music, practicing improvisation, learning music theory, teaching a class, collaborating with musicians, or recording your own music tutorials. Midi Sandbox gives you the freedom to customize your experience.
  • Save your settings and layout by creating a template. Copy the link to share with others.

AVAILABLE WIDGETS

Piano

A basic, but important tool for visualizing the notes being played. Great for training yourself to stop staring at your hands while playing.

Sheet Music

Upload your own MusicXML files and take advantage of the playback features, or toggle the setting to iterate the cursor when you play the correct notes.

Midi File Player

Upload your own midi files to use as input instead of a midi controller. Optionally, add an audio file to sync with the midi file via standard playback controls.

Chord Estimator

Figure out the names of the chords you’re playing instantly. Don’t forget to change your Key setting to get the best estimates.

Circle of Fifths

One of the most useful tools in all of music theory. Use it as a reference, or toggle the Key Prevalence setting to highlight the keys that match the notes you’re playing.

Tonnetz

Connect the dots of music theory and gain a deeper understanding of harmony. Master this tool and you’ll be able to construct chords in any context instantly.

Staff

Visualize the note’s you’re playing on a grand staff. Useful for beginners, or anyone learning new sheet music.

Youtube Player

Easily embed youtube videos and customize the layout in your templates. Optionally, sync the playback with a Midi File Player and/or Sheet Music widget.

The Tonnetz is a 2-dimensional mesh that illustrates spacial representations of tonal distance and relationships. Think of it as adding another dimension to the Circle of Fifths. In fact, if you start on any note and continue down the right path you are essentially going around the Circle of Fifths. Similarly, each branch off of a note represents a different interval (bottom right – major 3rd, top right – minor 3rd, etc).

Check out this article by Josh Walsh for an excellent breakdown of what you can learn from the Tonnetz.

Learn More

WHAT IS TONNETZ?

tonnetz mesh
View Tutorials & Templates