# Scales & Modes for iPad > Interactive visual and audio reference for diatonic scales and modes in music theory. (iPhone/iPad app by Smappsoft.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scales-and-modes-for-ipad/id364902099 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Smappsoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/333262587) - Category: Music, Education - Price: $1.99 - Rating: 1.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 31 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 10.3 · 33 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2010-04-01 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scales-and-modes-for-ipad/id364902099/reviews.md ## What is Scales & Modes for iPad? Scales & Modes is an interactive visual and audio reference for the diatonic scales and modes that are fundamental in music theory. View major and minor modes on the musical staff, see fingerings for both keyboard and guitar, and listen to the scales note by note, in any key. Violin and bass guitar fingerings are also available as an in app purchase add on. Diatonic musical scales and modes are one of the fundamental concepts of Western music theory. But the large number of scales makes learning and remembering them difficult. Scales & Modes is a handy mobile reference guide for viewing and listening to a large number scales and modes, including all the modes of the major, natural minor, and harmonic minor scales. Select a root note and a scale to display the notes of the scale on the musical staff, and click “Play Scale” to listen. Select the Keyboard or Guitar tabs (or Violin and Bass after an in app purchase) to view fingering diagrams for the scale on those instruments, and press the info button to see more detail about constructing the scale. Whether you are a professional or amateur musician, taking a music theory class, attending a jam session, or writing a symphony, Scales & Modes can help! ## Key features - Interactive visual scale and mode display - Audio playback of scales note by note - Keyboard and guitar fingerings - Support for major, natural minor, and harmonic minor scales - Selectable root notes and keys - Musical staff notation ## Recent user reviews (10 of 31) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scales-and-modes-for-ipad/id364902099/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Not worth it *2020-03-01, version 1.9.2* Simple app which makes you pay to try. iPad and iPhone versions separate so you have to pay twice. Not worth buying. ### 1/5 — Is not compatible with iOS 13.3 *2020-01-27, version 1.9.1* Will change review if/when it’s updated but as of right now do not download this app if you are running the current version of iOS. The app will not function ### 1/5 — Does not work since IOS 13 came out, freezes up. *2019-12-01, version 1.9.0* The developer hasn’t done an update in over two years, so maybe this app needs to be pulled from the App Store. It worked great before IOS 13, now it freezes up when I try and select a key to use in scale or mode. ### 5/5 — Great App *2015-04-11, version 1.7.1* This is a great app, well worth the $2.99. The only suggestion that I have is that the frets should be numbered on the fretboard diagram. Aside from that, this is a great tool for any guitarist or pianist to learn scales. ### 5/5 — Great app *2015-04-10, version 1.7.1* I have to say, I am totally not disappointed. The interface is smooth and pretty but doesn't distract you from what you need to do: Learn Scales. The app has tons of scales in every key and you can easily change which key you want and which scale. It has a play feature that allows you to hear the scale played (in piano and guitar) and the root notes are highlighted to make it easier to get your bearings on the fretboard (the keyboard is easier for me). In addition to that, each scale you choose in whatever key gives you additional information such as the formula for the scale and chord progressions for that key (several, actually). If you want to learn your scales then you should definitely get this app. However, if you do not have some rudimentary understanding of music theory and the notes on a fretboard, you will find this app a bit confusing. There are no explanations. ### 1/5 — HELP! — no sound! *2014-07-16, version 1.5* Tantalizing, just what I want — EXCEPT the scales & modes don't make a sound. Anyone know how to fix this? ### 4/5 — Where is the Melodic Minor Scale? *2014-04-09, version 1.5* Did I miss it? If you’re the developer, can you tell me where it is? Thanks. ### 5/5 — Theory for bass guitar *2013-11-28, version 1.5* Finally, I've been looking for an app that works for my application. Being a bassist for over 40 years, it's great for educators of all kinds of instruments. A cool parchment paper look as well. Two thumbs up! ### 1/5 — Looks good BUT THERE'S NO SOUND *2013-05-13, version 1.5* I tried this on my iPhone and iPad. There was no sound for either one -- and that was the main reason I got it. I tried updating my software, turning off and on, checking volume for other apps, and reinstalling. Still no volume. For me this was a disappointment and a a waste of money! ### 4/5 — Very good *2013-04-25, version 1.5* Needs melodic minor examples and a portrait/ landscape switch. Oyster than that, it's extremely helpful. ## Frequently asked questions about Scales & Modes for iPad ### What does Scales & Modes do? Scales & Modes provides an interactive visual and audio reference for diatonic scales and modes, which are fundamental to Western music theory. It allows users to see the notes of a scale on a musical staff, view fingerings for instruments like keyboard and guitar, and listen to the scales played note by note in any key. ### What are the key features of Scales & Modes? Key features include interactive display of scales and modes on a musical staff, audio playback of scales, fingerings for keyboard and guitar, and the ability to select root notes and keys. Additional instrument fingerings for violin and bass guitar are available as an in-app purchase. ### Is Scales & Modes free to use? The core functionality of Scales & Modes is available for free, allowing users to explore major and minor modes with keyboard and guitar fingerings. Certain additional features, such as violin and bass guitar fingerings, require an in-app purchase. ### Who is Scales & Modes designed for? This app is designed for a wide range of musicians, from professionals to amateurs, as well as individuals taking music theory classes or composing music. It serves as a handy reference for anyone needing to learn, remember, or apply diatonic scales and modes. ### What types of scales and modes can I explore? You can explore all the modes of the major scale, the natural minor scale, and the harmonic minor scale. The app allows you to select a root note and a specific scale to view its notes and listen to its progression. ## Version history (last 1 release) ### 1.9.2 — 2020-02-20 Bug fixes. ## Apps similar to Scales & Modes for iPad | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Music Wrench](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/music-wrench/id965939820) | 4.5 (21) | Free | Music | | [International Guitar Chords](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/international-guitar-chords/id419001760) | 4.1 (16) | $3.99 | Music | | [First Piano Lesson](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-piano-lesson/id345574840) | — | Free | Music | | [BeatSpeak](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beatspeak/id543230100) | 3.5 (6) | $1.99 | Music | | [Panda Piano Xmas](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/panda-piano-xmas/id405208400) | 3.0 (1) | Free | Music | | [Sight Reading Factory](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sight-reading-factory/id1046058520) | 2.7 (382) | Free | Music | ## More apps by Smappsoft - [Hold 'Em Helper](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hold-em-helper/id333262584) - [Scales & Modes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scales-and-modes/id357172313) - [Scales & Modes: The Quiz](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scales-and-modes-the-quiz/id358860751) - [Sounds Of The Orchestra](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sounds-of-the-orchestra/id392531203) - [Look Again! Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/look-again-lite/id487252582) All apps by Smappsoft: https://appshunter.io/developer/333262587 --- *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.*