Hear a real voice say each tone on ma — 妈 麻 马 骂. The graph shows the pitch; the voice shows how it actually sounds.
Flat and high, like holding a sung note. Chao 55. Think: a steady beep.
Rises from mid to high, like the intonation of a surprised “huh?”. Chao 35.
Dips low, then rises. Chao 214. In fast speech it often stays low (半三声).
Sharp fall from high to low, like a firm command “No!”. Chao 51.
Short, light, unstressed. Pitch depends on the preceding tone. Unmarked.