# Guitar Scales Essentials — Scales and backing tracks

> Guitar scale visualization and practice tool with backing tracks. (iPhone/iPad app by Tobias Nasterlack.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guitar-scales-essentials/id1523148119 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tobias Nasterlack](https://appshunter.io/developer/1509212818)
- Category: Music
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 12 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 50 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2020-07-13
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guitar-scales-essentials/id1523148119/reviews.md

## What is Guitar Scales Essentials?

* Select from 6 tunings: Standard, Drop C, Drop D, Open D, Open G, or Celtic
* Visualize 15 essential scales, in any key, on a virtual fretboard or as tabs
* Position view options: standard and 3-notes-per-string
* Practice with built-in instrumental and percussion backing tracks or a metronome
* Easily switch between full and pentatonic views in major and minor scales
* Display chords and notes in a scale
* Includes light and dark mode appearances

## Key features

- 6 tuning options
- 15 essential scales visualization
- Virtual fretboard and tab display
- Practice with backing tracks
- Metronome included
- Light and dark mode

## Recent user reviews (7 of 7)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guitar-scales-essentials/id1523148119/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great great. Did I say great?

*2022-11-19, version 1.3*

Really helpful. Many helpful touches to engage the player to stick with it. 

Suggestion: allow user to switch from note letters to note interval. 

Thanks.

### 5/5 — Super cool and really helpful!!!

*2022-10-25, version 1.3*

This honestly feels like cheating, please add more scales!

### 5/5 — Best app for guitar scale learning

*2022-08-11, version 1.3*

Bro this app is the goat I swear. I’ve never seen an app the also involved a backing track and drop tunings available. Also the modes they include are crazy, I’m pretty sure the have all seven modes and diminished scales. Dude I’ve never seen an app that just grasps my attention like this. There are no ads and everything is absolutely free. I’m tryna learn jazz and I know that this app will help me.

### 5/5 — Have barely scratched the surface

*2022-01-05, version 1.3*

But already can tell this is going to be so helpful to learn. Thanks!

### 5/5 — Good reference + bonus

*2020-09-21, version 1.1*

Was looking for a simple scale reference — this is just what I needed. Ended up using the backing tracks for practice even though I didn't think I would. Great app.

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2020-08-17, version 1.1*

Great app, exactly what I was looking for!

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2020-08-17, version 1.1*

Great app for learning how to play the guitar! Easy to understand and navigate.

## Frequently asked questions about Guitar Scales Essentials

### What tunings does Guitar Scales Essentials support?

Guitar Scales Essentials supports six tunings: Standard, Drop C, Drop D, Open D, Open G, and Celtic.

### How many scales can I visualize with Guitar Scales Essentials?

You can visualize 15 essential scales in any key, with options for full and pentatonic views in major and minor scales.

### Does Guitar Scales Essentials offer practice tools?

Yes, it includes built-in instrumental and percussion backing tracks, as well as a metronome for practice.

### What are the display options for scales in Guitar Scales Essentials?

Scales can be displayed on a virtual fretboard or as tabs, with position view options including standard and 3-notes-per-string.

### What devices is Guitar Scales Essentials available on?

Guitar Scales Essentials is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

### What is the age rating for Guitar Scales Essentials?

Guitar Scales Essentials has an age rating of 4+.

### How often is Guitar Scales Essentials updated?

The app was last updated on December 31, 2020, with version 1.3. The release date was July 13, 2020.

### What do users like about Guitar Scales Essentials?

Users appreciate the app's high rating of 4.8 stars from 12 ratings, indicating positive user sentiment.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 1.3 — 2020-12-31

+ Repositioned fret markers
+ Switch light/dark appearance directly in-app

### 1.2 — 2020-12-28

+ New position option: 3-notes-per-string
+ Interface improvements
+ Sound improvements
+ Added gesture controls

### 1.1 — 2020-08-09

+ Added drop C tuning
+ Bugfixes

### 1.0 — 2020-07-13

No release notes.

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## More apps by Tobias Nasterlack

- [Uke Scale Essentials](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uke-scale-essentials/id1509212819)
- [Mandolin Scale Essentials](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mandolin-scale-essentials/id1512566260)
- [Piano Scale Essentials](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/piano-scale-essentials/id1519734824)

All apps by Tobias Nasterlack: https://appshunter.io/developer/1509212818

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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.*
