There are so many myths surrounding Morse Code learning methods – let’s nip some of them in the bud.

With apologies to the real MythBusters, I wanted to bust a few myths and challenge a few long-held axioms – some of which have held many of us back as we have learnt and developed our CW skills.

Myth: Morse Code is very difficult to learn

Fact: Morse Code is NOT difficult to learn if proper methods are employed. Some people will learn faster depending on their background, health, and personal situation.

Myth: I am too old to learn or improve my skill in Morse Code

Fact: Almost anyone can learn and improve Morse Code skill if they are willing to do commit to a training plan with proven methods. In fact there are a lot of credible studies that suggest learning a second language (including Morse Code) is a great way to delay or slow aging diseases such as dementia.

Myth: Memorising all the Morse Code letters and numbers is the only way to learn

Fact: Memorising letters and numbers is an inefficient way to learn Morse Code. The old “look-up tables” many of us used in years gone by are inefficient and will ultimately hold back your progress and lead to frustration. Morse code is an aural language, not a visual one (unless you’re sending semaphore or a heliograph on a ship!)

Myth: Slow speed Morse Code is the only way to learn

Fact: Slow speed Morse Code is inefficient – students can learn at 20 WPM or more, and this is a proven approach to efficient learning. Many (including myself) will have suffered through those WIA 5WPM Tapes in the 1980s and 90s – and this approach leads to frustration and difficultly in skills development.

Myth: I must learn all the letters and numbers before I can learn Morse Code

Fact: Students can learn to hear complete words as soon as T, E and A are taught.

Myth: I must learn to receive before I can send Morse Code

Fact: Students should send as soon as they learn the first three letters. Using more than one medium is a proven success factor in effective memory retention and learning efficiency. Like learning a musical instrument, you must learn the practical elements whilst learning to read music. Sending code reinforces the neural patterns for each character or word in your brain.

Myth: I don’t have time to learn Morse Code

Fact: If you have the desire and fifteen to thirty minutes a day to devote, you can learn Morse Code.

Myth: I can learn Morse Code on my own

Fact: Perhaps you can but interactive learning with an advisor, mentor, or teacher is the best way to learn