This tutorial will guide you on how to use the pitches.h library to play melodies on an ESP32 using a passive buzzer.
Buy the Parts
- RC Car Wltoys K989 ……………………….… Amazon/ Banggood / Shopee
- ESP32 C6 Super Mini …………………….… Amazon / Banggood / Shopee
- Passive buzzer module ………………….… Amazon/ Banggood / Shopee
- Mini Speaker 8ohm 1w ………………….… Amazon/ Banggood / Shopee
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Please use them to help me continue building cool projects.
Wiring the Buzzer to ESP32
- Connect the positive pin (+) of the buzzer to a GPIO pin on the ESP32 (e.g., GPIO25).
- Connect the negative pin (-) of the buzzer to a GND pin on the ESP32.
Step 1: Install the pitches.h Library
The pitches.h file defines notes as frequencies. You can include it in your project by copying the following into a new file named pitches.h:
#define NOTE_B0 31 #define NOTE_C1 33 #define NOTE_CS1 35 #define NOTE_D1 37 #define NOTE_DS1 39 #define NOTE_E1 41 #define NOTE_F1 44 #define NOTE_FS1 46 #define NOTE_G1 49 #define NOTE_GS1 52 #define NOTE_A1 55 #define NOTE_AS1 58 #define NOTE_B1 62 #define NOTE_C2 65 #define NOTE_CS2 69 #define NOTE_D2 73 #define NOTE_DS2 78 #define NOTE_E2 82 #define NOTE_F2 87 #define NOTE_FS2 93 #define NOTE_G2 98 #define NOTE_GS2 104 #define NOTE_A2 110 #define NOTE_AS2 117 #define NOTE_B2 123 #define NOTE_C3 131 #define NOTE_CS3 139 #define NOTE_D3 147 #define NOTE_DS3 156 #define NOTE_E3 165 #define NOTE_F3 175 #define NOTE_FS3 185 #define NOTE_G3 196 #define NOTE_GS3 208 #define NOTE_A3 220 #define NOTE_AS3 233 #define NOTE_B3 247 #define NOTE_C4 262 #define NOTE_CS4 277 #define NOTE_D4 294 #define NOTE_DS4 311 #define NOTE_E4 330 #define NOTE_F4 349 #define NOTE_FS4 370 #define NOTE_G4 392 #define NOTE_GS4 415 #define NOTE_A4 440 #define NOTE_AS4 466 #define NOTE_B4 494 #define NOTE_C5 523 #define NOTE_CS5 554 #define NOTE_D5 587 #define NOTE_DS5 622 #define NOTE_E5 659 #define NOTE_F5 698 #define NOTE_FS5 740 #define NOTE_G5 784 #define NOTE_GS5 831 #define NOTE_A5 880 #define NOTE_AS5 932 #define NOTE_B5 988 #define NOTE_C6 1047 #define NOTE_CS6 1109 #define NOTE_D6 1175 #define NOTE_DS6 1245 #define NOTE_E6 1319 #define NOTE_F6 1397 #define NOTE_FS6 1480 #define NOTE_G6 1568 #define NOTE_GS6 1661 #define NOTE_A6 1760 #define NOTE_AS6 1865 #define NOTE_B6 1976 #define NOTE_C7 2093 #define NOTE_CS7 2217 #define NOTE_D7 2349 #define NOTE_DS7 2489 #define NOTE_E7 2637 #define NOTE_F7 2794 #define NOTE_FS7 2960 #define NOTE_G7 3136 #define NOTE_GS7 3322 #define NOTE_A7 3520 #define NOTE_AS7 3729 #define NOTE_B7 3951 #define NOTE_C8 4186 #define NOTE_CS8 4435 #define NOTE_D8 4699 #define NOTE_DS8 4978 You can find the complete pitches.h file online or generate one based on your needs.
Step 2: Write the Code
Here’s a simple example to play a melody:
#include "pitches.h" // Define the melody and note durations int melody[] = { NOTE_C4, NOTE_G3, NOTE_A3, NOTE_G3, 0, NOTE_B3, NOTE_C4 }; int noteDurations[] = { 4, 8, 8, 4, 4, 4, 4 }; // Pin for the buzzer const int buzzerPin = 4; void setup() { for (int i = 0; i < 7; i++) { int noteDuration = 1000 / noteDurations[i]; tone(buzzerPin, melody[i], noteDuration); // Pause between notes int pauseBetweenNotes = noteDuration * 1.30; delay(pauseBetweenNotes); // Stop the tone noTone(buzzerPin); } } void loop() { // Nothing to do here } Step 3: Upload the Code
- Connect your ESP32 to your computer via USB.
- Open the Arduino IDE.
- Select the correct board and port under Tools.
- Upload the code.
Step 4: Test Your Setup
Once the code is uploaded, the buzzer will play the melody. You can modify the melody and noteDurations arrays to play different tunes.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Ensure the buzzer is connected properly to the ESP32.
- If you hear a distorted sound, check the buzzer type (active buzzers cannot use
tone()). - Adjust delays and note durations for better sound quality.