Unmasking in the forward‐masking procedure was investigated in two experiments. In the first, signal frequency (fs) was held equal to the frequency of the primary masker component (f1) while the frequency of a secondary masker componentf2(wheref2≳f1) was varied. In the second experiment,f1andf2were held constant while signal frequency varied. The results are discussed in terms of the effects potential perceptual cues may have on unmasking in the forward‐masking procedure.