ScaleMaster LE 1.3.5

Scales serve as a fundamental aspect of instrumental practice, with many musicians beginning their journey by mastering the one-octave major scale before progressing to more complex variations. This progression is particularly intricate for string instrument players due to the multitude of fingerings involved. In this context, having a reliable reference tool is invaluable, and ScaleMaster proves to be a noteworthy asset.

ScaleMaster features an extensive master list of scales, each accompanied by essential information such as scale type. The notation display updates automatically with each selection, supported by light text coloring and scale type indicators that facilitate quick differentiation among scales. Users can save scale configurations in customizable exercise documents that are instrument-specific, retaining both scale details and respective finger positions. Furthermore, these documents enable users to incorporate recordings of their instrument, which can be adjusted in speed for play-along exercises. Additional playback features, including count-in and auto-reverse options, enhance the learning experience.

The chord-scale relationship is crucial for improvisational musicians, and ScaleMaster allows users to filter through a vocabulary of 211 scales corresponding to 41 common chord structures. The resulting selection includes only those scales that feature all chord tones, clearly highlighted in red within the notation view alongside a chord symbol positioned under the scale title. This functionality serves to enrich an improviser's toolkit by providing alternatives beyond standard choices.

A standout characteristic of ScaleMaster is its robust support for music notation, including the incorporation of double sharps and flats as well as halftone (semitone) steps. The application also offers features such as clef changes and adjustable tuning specifically for string instruments, along with a comprehensive General MIDI sound library that includes 128 sounds for iOS and over 200 for macOS.

Features:

• Adjustable instrument position
• Adjustable tuning for string instruments
• Support for left-handed players
• Scale exercises
• Chord matching
• Compatibility with all common clefs
• Extensive documentation

Instruments Supported: Banjo, Bass, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, Mandolin, Piano, Viola, Violin

Ultimately, ScaleMaster functions as a versatile tool where the user's engagement will shape their experience. Initially designed to provide quick access to a broad selection of scales across various keys, the app has since evolved to include playback capabilities, detailed music notation, a circle of fifths interface, virtual instruments, and more. It caters to both novice and professional musicians alike, serving as an excellent resource for advancing theoretical knowledge and scaling proficiency. The app simplifies the lookup process for different scales while allowing users to experience their unique sound through immediate playback.