Auditory Memory
Auditory Memory
Each digit 1–9 plays a unique musical tone. Listen to the sequence, then tap the same digits — in order (forward) or reversed (backward). Sequences grow by one each round.
Best: ↪ 0 · ↩ 0
How to Play
Each digit 1–9 maps to a unique tone (a C-major scale). Listen carefully as a sequence is played, watching the corresponding digit highlight. Then tap the digits in the SAME order (forward mode) or REVERSED order (backward mode). Each correct round adds one digit to the next sequence; one wrong tap ends the run. The forward digit-span test averages around 7 for adults; the backward span averages around 5 and is harder because you must reverse a held sequence — which is exactly why it's the classic test of auditory working memory.
Controls
Click or tap any of the nine digit buttons. The button you tap plays its tone as feedback. Use Clear to wipe your input and re-enter the sequence (only during your turn).
Tips & Strategy
Sub-vocalize each digit as you hear it (whisper or imagine saying it). Group long sequences into 'chunks' of 3 or 4 — your phonological loop holds chunks better than individual digits. Backward mode is harder because you have to mentally reverse: try writing the digits onto an imagined number line and reading it right-to-left. Daily 3-minute sessions reliably push digit span up by 1–2 over weeks.