How to Learn Morse Code: Tips and Tricks for Tapping Like a Pro

If you're desperately trying to make sense of a series of dots and dashes, you're not alone. Many people are interested in learning this old-fashioned communication system — be it to acquire a ham radio license, feel prepared in case of an emergency, or to master an unusual skill. "But how can I learn Morse code?" Luckily, learning a bit of Morse code is possible if done the right way.

In this article, we will see how to study Morse code by tapping, speaking out loud, or using whatever method you'd like. We'll look at different tricks and techniques so that you can send and decipher messages without issues. Ready to discover how to learn Morse code? Let's get into it!

Morse code might seem a little bit outdated. In the era of modern technologies, online messaging platforms have become the most popular method of communication, so much so that even good old phone calls are slowly falling out of fashion. But there are a couple of reasons why one might want to be able to use this system:

• Emergency communication
  If all other systems fail, Morse code would become one of the most efficient and reliable means of communication. When faced with an emergency, you might want to use the universal distress signal, SOS in Morse code (...–––...), to let others know that you need help.
• Hobby and amateur radio
  Many amateur radio enthusiasts still enjoy Morse code. Communicating with other radio amateurs around the world using Morse code is both enjoyable and rewarding, and nowadays, it's become a sort of secret language, which makes it even more exciting.
• Historical significance
  For history lovers, Morse code is a tangible connection to the past. This unique language was widespread in the 1800s, helping ships communicate with the land and with each other and encoding secret tactics during wartime. Thanks to this modern revival of Morse code, we can gain a little perspective on how far communication has advanced.

Another question that you might be asking yourself is: "How long does it take to learn Morse code?" Of course, as with everything, it depends on the learner, but in general, you should be able to learn Morse code within a couple of months.

Before diving into the details, it's important to understand what Morse code is. In short, it's a system made of dots and dashes that encodes letters, numbers, and punctuation. A dot is represented by a short sound, while a dash is a longer sound, for example:

• A is .–
• B is –...
• S is ...
• O is –––

All these characters can be sent using sound pulses, flashes of light, or even just physical taps. One has to be very careful in order to be understood — the dots and dashes making up a singular letter or number must follow each other in a quick succession; a pause is used to mark the space between two characters, while a longer one means that a new word is about to start. As you can see, precision is key.

Nowadays, we learn something known as International Morse code, which encodes 26 letters of the English alphabet, Arabic digits from 0 to 9, and some punctuation. Its patterns differ from those of its predecessor, the American Morse code, which was used in the 19th century.

To discover more about the history of Morse code, read our dedicated article: "Morse Code History Explained".

Now that we know the basics, we can get into how to learn Morse code. You'll see that it has a lot in common with learning a new language — it takes a lot of practice, but once you master it, it becomes second nature. All you have to do is keep training your brain to become better and better.

Listen to the rhythm

Many beginners start by desperately trying to memorize the dots and dashes, that is, the visual part of Morse code. However, many experts suggest that sound pattern association is a better way to learn it. Each character has its own unique rhythm, which you can remember instead of the visual cue.

One of the best methods to learn Morse code by ear is the Farnsworth method, which consists of playing the individual characters at high speed, while leaving a bigger pause in between to give oneself time to process and decode the pattern. This way, you'll stop counting the dots and dashes, and you'll focus on the character and its sound. You can also use the Koch method. Using this technique, you'll listen to code at a normal speed, increasing its length gradually. You can start with just two characters at a time, and once you nail it, you add another character. Do this until you can understand the whole message.

How to learn Morse code by tapping

We don't only learn Morse code to understand it, we also want to be able to use it to send messages. Luckily, you don't need a telegraph — you can tap on a surface or press your index finger and thumb together! Tap quickly for a dot and hold for a bit longer for a dash. However, once again, don't try to visualize dots and dashes; instead, focus on feeling the rhythm of each letter or number.

Try it! Tap once quickly… That's an E. If you hold that one tap for a moment, you'll send a T. Three long taps mean O, and so on. Keep practicing to get a hold of the timing and get your muscle memory working.

Small steps

Don't try to memorise the whole of the Morse alphabet in one sitting — instead, work in subsets. For example, learn the codes for E, T, A, N, and O first. Only when you're certain that you know them well, add a letter or two.

Like with everything, patience is your friend. At first, you'll catch yourself trying to visualize two dots and a dash as a U, but with time, you'll let go of that visual cue completely! Keep practising every day, and you'll learn Morse code in no time.

Are you still asking yourself, "How can I learn Morse code?" It's a fair question — studying Morse code by yourself can be hard, which is why we have created a list of Morse code learning resources that you can use to become better and better!

• Online tools and websites: Thanks to the Internet, we have virtually unlimited access to all sorts of learning tools. You don't have to sit at your desk and try to learn the patterns by heart the old-school way. Nowadays, there are whole websites dedicated to studying Morse code, using a variety of methods. These tools will play Morse code signals for you to type into a textbox, or make you click or press a button in rhythm to encode a given word. Many will provide you with access to flashcards and charts, which will help you learn faster.

• Mobile apps: Practicing on a smartphone is even easier than using a website, as it allows you to physically tap your screen, reinforcing muscle memory. This way, you can also study Morse code on the go — instead of sitting at home, you can tap on the bus, in a cafe, or during your lunch break. Whatever works for you!

• Clubs and courses: You can join online groups or even sign up for courses. This approach will allow you to connect with other Morse code enthusiasts and exchange tips and tricks for Morse code practice. If you prefer, you can choose one-on-one classes, if you want to be guided according to your needs.

Now that you know how to learn Morse code, there is one golden rule: once you get started, don't let go! You can learn anything if you put your mind to it, but a couple of Morse code practice tips won't hurt:

• Practice daily
  Morse code is a skill that takes time and consistency. Practice for 15 minutes daily or every other day for better results. Try to make it part of your routine — for example, after breakfast, try to spell what you have just eaten in Morse code. This way, it will be way more engaging than just trying to tap abstract words.

  Maybe you could use the Pomodoro technique or other strategies to get better results? The obsolescence of Morse code doesn't mean you can't use modern resources. 😉

• Put accuracy before speed
  Don't try to be fast from the very beginning. Give yourself some time — start slow and pick up the pace as you go. With time, you'll become more confident, and speed will come naturally.

• Speak it out
  When practicing, try to engage multiple senses. For example, while tapping, you can also say "dit" for every dot and "dah" for every dash. This method will reinforce your memory, making you learn even faster.

• Mix it up
  Don't focus only on receiving or, on the contrary, only on sending. Alternate the two methods to make your brain work harder.

Once you get the hang of it, you can use our Morse code translator to test your knowledge!

And remember to keep it fun! Celebrate small victories, use everyday objects, words related to your hobbies, and real text, such as news headlines. This approach will transform your view of Morse code from an abstract encoding system to a tangible and fascinating language. Sooner or later, you will be tapping clear messages without even having to think about the dots and dashes!