Sound N-Back Explained: Train Your Auditory Working Memory [2026]

What is Sound N-Back?

Sound N-Back is a cognitive training game designed to strengthen auditory working memory. You listen to a sequence of musical notes and press "Match" when the current note is the same as the one played N steps earlier.

This game specifically targets the phonological loop, one of the key components of working memory identified by Baddeley and Hitch (1974). By focusing purely on auditory stimuli, Sound N-Back provides concentrated training for the brain systems that process sounds, language, and verbal information.

Scientific Background

The Phonological Loop

The phonological loop is a subsystem of working memory that processes auditory and verbal information. According to Baddeley's model (1992), it consists of two components:

1. Phonological Store - A temporary storage system that holds sound-based information for 1-2 seconds
2. Articulatory Rehearsal Process - A "inner voice" that refreshes and maintains information through subvocal repetition

Research on Auditory Working Memory

Studies have shown that auditory working memory training can produce meaningful improvements:

• Research by Jaeggi and colleagues demonstrated that N-Back training improves working memory capacity
• A 2015 meta-analysis (Au et al.) found that N-Back training produced small to moderate improvements in fluid intelligence
• Auditory working memory is particularly important for language processing and has been linked to reading comprehension skills

Cognitive Abilities Measured

How to Play

1. Select Your Level

   Choose your N-Back level (1-Back, 2-Back, or 3-Back). Beginners should start with 1-Back.

2. Listen to the Notes

   The game plays 8 different musical notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C'). Each note plays for 500ms with 2.5 seconds between notes.

3. Identify Matches

   Press "Match" (or Space bar) when the current note matches the note from N steps ago. For 2-Back, compare with the note from 2 steps earlier.

4. Complete the Level

   Each level lasts 60 seconds. Achieve 70% or higher accuracy to unlock the next level.

Score Guide

Understanding Your Stats

• Accuracy - Overall percentage of correct responses (hits + correct rejections)
• Hit Rate - Percentage of matches correctly identified
• False Alarm Rate - Percentage of non-matches incorrectly marked as matches (lower is better)

Training Benefits

Regular Sound N-Back practice may provide the following benefits:

• Improved Auditory Processing: Enhanced ability to hold and manipulate sounds in memory
• Better Language Comprehension: The phonological loop is crucial for understanding speech
• Enhanced Focus: Training to track sound sequences may improve auditory attention
• Language Learning Support: A stronger phonological loop aids in learning new vocabulary

Tips and Strategies

1. Close Your Eyes - Eliminate visual distractions to focus entirely on the sounds. Many people find this significantly improves their performance.

2. Subvocalize the Notes - Quietly repeat the note names (C, D, E...) in your head to engage your articulatory rehearsal process.

3. Focus on Patterns - Instead of trying to remember each individual note, listen for familiar patterns or sequences.

4. Use Quality Headphones - Clear audio makes it easier to distinguish between notes and reduces cognitive load.

5. Practice in a Quiet Environment - Background noise competes for the same auditory processing resources you need for the task.

6. Don't Overthink - Trust your instincts. If you're unsure whether it's a match, your first intuition is often correct.

Sound N-Back vs. Dual N-Back

Sound N-Back and Dual N-Back both train working memory but use different approaches.

When to Choose Sound N-Back:

• You want to specifically strengthen auditory processing
• You find visual stimuli distracting
• You're a musician or language learner
• You prefer shorter, focused practice sessions

When to Choose Dual N-Back:

• You want comprehensive working memory training
• You can handle higher cognitive load
• You have more time for training sessions

Related Articles:

• How to Start Dual N-Back
• What is Working Memory?
• The Science of Brain Training

FAQ

Conclusion

Sound N-Back is a focused cognitive training tool that specifically targets the phonological loop component of working memory. By concentrating on auditory stimuli alone, it provides intensive training for the brain systems that process sounds, language, and verbal information.

Whether you're looking to improve your auditory processing, support language learning, or complement your Dual N-Back training, Sound N-Back offers an accessible and effective workout for your auditory working memory.