perceiving pitch (i.e., tone frequency) is an essential prerequisite for more complex auditory processes, such as perceiving music and speech. As such, frequency selectivity (that is, the ability to discriminate differences in pitch) is important as it aids hearing in noise. Despite the importance of frequency selectivity, the underlying neural mechanisms are not very well understood. One issue that needs to be addressed is how pitch is encoded in the peripheral auditory system. Here we propose predictive coding as a model of a pitch perception that is guided by the central auditory system. Focusing on the cortical processing of pitch, and the influence of this cortical processing on peripheral pitch processing, allows us to formulate an alternative, centrally governed pitch perception model within a unified and more simple encoding mechanism. This central pitch processing model could provide a more comprehensive and explanatory powerful framework compared to the currently dominant peripherally constrained pitch perception model which imposes a complex combination of multiple encoding mechanisms. Combining well-established anatomical and behavioral measures of pitch perception, as well as more novel electrophysical measures allows us to put these assumptions, the central pitch processing model, and the predictive coding framework as a whole to the test.