# Argyle Keyboard — A Jazz MIDI Instrument

> A jazz-focused MIDI instrument app with dynamic note selection based on chord theory. (iPhone/iPad app by Eric Ford.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/argyle-keyboard/id1091378679 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Eric Ford](https://appshunter.io/developer/686106372)
- Category: Music, Music, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 4 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.3 · 168 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2017-10-13
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/argyle-keyboard/id1091378679/reviews.md

## What is Argyle Keyboard?

Argyle Keyboard, named for it's hexagonal pattern reminiscent of argyle socks, provides a unique and dynamic musical instrument experience. It is especially suited to jazz in several ways. Based on chord theory popularized by Barry Harris, the keyboard is designed for pivoting around diminished chord and scales. Without going into too much detail, diminished chords are commonly substituted for dominant 7th chords, and are especially suited to moving between these dominants because they are the same harmonic distance from related dominants.

Argyle Keyboard is designed with a wealth of controls that change the notes available for playing while masking out notes that are undesirable. As a song moves through a chord progression you use these controls to change the available notes on the keyboard. It's as if an autoharp and a pedal steel guitar had a child who was really into jazz ;)

## Key features

- Unique hexagonal keyboard layout
- Chord theory-based note selection
- Pivoting around diminished chords and scales
- Dynamic note masking
- Suitable for jazz improvisation


## Frequently asked questions about Argyle Keyboard

### What is Argyle Keyboard's primary musical focus?

Argyle Keyboard is specifically designed for jazz music, offering features that facilitate improvisation and exploration of chord theory relevant to the genre.

### How does Argyle Keyboard help with chord progressions?

The app's controls allow users to dynamically change the available notes on the keyboard, masking undesirable ones to align with the current chord progression, making it easier to play harmonically.

### What is the inspiration behind Argyle Keyboard's design?

The app's hexagonal pattern is reminiscent of argyle socks, and its musical design is based on chord theory popularized by Barry Harris, focusing on diminished chords and scales.

### What devices is Argyle Keyboard compatible with?

Argyle Keyboard is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, offering a versatile platform for musicians.

### Is Argyle Keyboard suitable for beginners?

While designed with jazz theory in mind, its dynamic note masking can assist musicians of various skill levels in exploring jazz harmony and improvisation.

### When was Argyle Keyboard last updated?

Argyle Keyboard was last updated on October 13, 2017, with version 1.0.

### Does Argyle Keyboard have ads?

No, Argyle Keyboard does not contain advertisements, providing an uninterrupted musical experience.

### What is the user rating for Argyle Keyboard?

Argyle Keyboard has an excellent rating of 5.0 stars based on 4 user reviews.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0 — 2017-10-13

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

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## More apps by Eric Ford

- [Jamulator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jamulator/id1282772922)
- [That's Crazy Talk](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thats-crazy-talk/id1447424058)
- [Senior Bulletin Board](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/senior-bulletin-board/id1515178701)
- [Finger Print Imager](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/finger-print-imager/id1535871705)

All apps by Eric Ford: https://appshunter.io/developer/686106372

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*