When you're learning a song on an instrument or practicing vocals, it helps to slow it down or change its key.
Change only the speed
In Change Pitch and Tempo, lower the speed slider to 0.7–0.8x and apply. The song gets slower while the pitch stays the same. As it gets comfortable, raise it 0.1x at a time.
Change only the key
If a song is too high or too low for you, move the key slider up or down in semitones. A semitone is the distance between two neighboring keys on a piano. Staying within about ±3 semitones usually sounds natural.
Good to know
- The tool stretches the sound (WSOLA), so large changes can add a slight echo or warble. We confirmed in a simple synthetic-tone test that speed and key change as intended, but the sound quality on full songs varies from song to song.
- Applying changes on top of changes lowers quality. Make all changes from the original in one go.
- Don't know the song's original BPM? Check it with the BPM & Key Finder.
Frequently asked questions
Does slowing down change the pitch?
No. The speed slider changes tempo only; the pitch stays the same.
How far can I change the key?
Any number of semitones, but staying within about ±3 semitones usually sounds most natural.
Why does the slowed audio sound a bit echoey?
The tool stretches the sound, so big changes can add some echo. Use smaller steps and apply changes to the original only once.
Sources and date checked
Checked: October 3, 2026
- FreeSoundTools test notes (speed and pitch conversion checked with a 440 Hz sine wave, 2026-10-03)
This article is general information. Devices and services can change over time.
Related roundup: see How to Use Online Practice Tools for the full practice routine.