A focused playback checklist

No sound? Fix a silent Play Music Theory loop

Most silent sessions come from an empty drawing, a browser waiting for a user gesture, muted output, or audio routed somewhere unexpected. Work through this list in order so each check rules out one cause.

Updated September 25, 2026 · Play Music Theory

First prove the page has something to play

Draw a clear line across the middle of the canvas, set the device volume above zero, then tap Play directly. Browsers commonly keep audio suspended until a real tap or click; reloading and waiting is not the same as starting it.

If the playhead moves but the canvas is blank, the loop is silent by design. If it does not move, press Play again after touching the canvas once.

Playback checklist showing drawing, play, volume, and output
Playback checklist showing drawing, play, volume, and output

Check the output path, not only the page

Raise media volume, unmute the browser tab, and disconnect Bluetooth headphones or speakers you are not using. On a phone, confirm that sound is not being sent to another AirPlay or Bluetooth device.

Pause other apps that may hold an audio session. Then return to this page and tap Play again; the instrument attempts to resume audio after a pointer interaction.

Use a clean tab to isolate saved state and extensions

Open the homepage in a new private window, draw one line, and test playback. If that works, an extension, stale tab, or site data in the original session is the likely difference.

If every tab is silent, try a current Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge release and restart the browser. Report the device, browser version, whether the playhead moved, and whether other sites played audio; those details are more useful than saying only that sound failed.

Ready to hear it?

Open the playground, make one mark, and listen before adding the next.

Open the instrument →