How well can you distinguish subtle differences in rhythm?

Jan 2007 News: Statistics added on over 7,000 subjects! Compare your performance to others...

This is the hardest test I've made so far...

This test will play a series of two rhythmical phrases (otherwise known as a "drum beat") and ask you if they are the same or different. Unlike the similar tonedeaf test, however, the differences between the phrases are only rhythmical.

Recent research has emerged suggesting that rhythm perception and pitch perception deficits may be linked. Since it has long been known that people with poor rhythm perception abilities are often poor dancers, I though it would be interesting to make a test that would give an objective measure of rhythm perception.

This test was developed by myself in collaboration with the music and neuroimaging laboratory of beth israel deaconess/harvard medical school.

You will need Flash 8 or 9 for this test. Please be patient, as it takes a few minutes to load.

Please feel free to leave a comment about this test.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!