Instantly identifying songs by melody requires specialized tools and techniques. Here are the most effective solutions:
Music Recognition Apps
- Shazam: Activate during playback – identifies songs in seconds using audio fingerprinting. Highest accuracy for recorded music.
- SoundHound: Accepts humming/singing. Sing 10-15 seconds of the melody. Accuracy varies but useful when lyrics are unknown.
- Google Assistant/Siri: Ask "What song is this?" while music plays. Leverages vast databases similar to Shazam.
Lyric Search Tools
- Search Engines: Enter unique lyric snippets + "lyrics" in quotes. Example: "yellow lady" lyric for "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)".
- Lyric Databases: Use platforms like Genius or * with distinct phrases.
Descriptive Search Engines
- Google: Describe characteristics: "90s song whistle intro" or "disco chorus falsetto". Include genre, era, or instruments.
- Community Forums: Post melody details on r/NameThatSong (Reddit) or WatZatSong. Include tempo, gender, or instrumentation.
Key Action Steps
- Prioritize recording the actual audio with recognition apps
- Hum clearly at the correct pitch if using SoundHound
- Use specific descriptors when relying on text searches
- Capture 15-30 seconds of the most distinct melody section
Method Comparison
| Method | Best For | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Shazam | Recorded music playback | 5-10 seconds |
| SoundHound Humming | No lyrics available | 15-30 seconds |
| Lyric Search | Remembered phrases | Variable |
