# Fingering Strings vs SmartScales

The clearest difference is price: SmartScales at Free against Fingering Strings's $3.99. SmartScales also leads on update cadence (every 5 months vs every 17 months) and ratings volume (38 vs 4). Fingering Strings's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.2) and in-app purchases (none vs 17). On ads there is nothing between them.

SmartScales is free to download; Fingering Strings costs $3.99 up front. SmartScales sells 17 one-off in-app purchases. Fingering Strings asks for nothing beyond the download.

Fingering Strings holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SmartScales has 38 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 92% of Fingering Strings's written reviews are positive against 67% of SmartScales's.

Fingering Strings ships an update every 17 months, SmartScales every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Fingering Strings | SmartScales |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fingering-strings/id367215885/reviews)** | [4.2 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscales-backing-tracks/id1024503103/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **38** |
| Positive reviews | **91.7% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 17 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 63 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Patrick Q. Kelly](https://appshunter.io/developer/310068987) | [Greater Heights Media Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1024503102) |

## What reviewers say

### Fingering Strings

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fingering-strings/id367215885)

This interactive guide helps string instrument players visualize fingerings for various hand positions across different clefs. It allows users to see and hear notes, intervals, and chords, aiding in learning and practice.

**Highlights:** Multiple instrument support (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass), Extensive hand position library (Simandl, Rabbath), Visual "beginner tape" display, Multi-note display (up to 4 notes), Hear notes, intervals, and chords on piano, Support for Treble, Alto, Tenor, Bass clefs

**In-app purchases:** none


### SmartScales

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscales-backing-tracks/id1024503103)

This app transforms scale and arpeggio practice into an engaging experience with specially composed backing tracks. It closely aligns with the ABRSM syllabus, offering interactive scores, adjustable tempos, and a built-in metronome. Explore various music styles and practice with looping exercises for instruments like piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

**Highlights:** Interactive scale and arpeggio practice, ABRSM syllabus alignment, Specially composed backing tracks, Adjustable tempo control, Looping exercises, Built-in metronome, Toggleable audio tracks

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cello Grade 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grade 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Piano Grade 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Piano Grade 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Double Bass Grade 3 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grade 5 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Viola Grade 5 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grade 7 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Cello Grades 1 to 4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grades 1 to 4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Piano Grades 1 to 4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Double Bass Grade 8 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Cello Grades 5 to 8 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grades 5 to 8 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Cello Grades 1 to 8 | $12.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grades 1 to 8 | $12.99 | one-time |
| Viola Grades 1 to 8 | $12.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Makes practicing scales fun
- 💡 Invaluable for beginners
- 🚀 Useful for all levels
- ✅ Great for developing ear and intonation
- ✨ Engaging and enjoyable practice

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Sound quality is dire
- 😕 Backing tracks not to taste
- ❌ Difficult to find specific scales
- 📉 Scales played too slow
- 🚫 No MIDI support

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot delete app from iPad
- In-app purchase server connection issues
- App crashes after purchase
- App crashes after opening
- Unable to locate in-app purchases

**Requested features**

- Add ABRSM clarinet options
- Add ABRSM piano syllabus updates
- Pro version for school use with all grades enabled
- Search for key signature and browse octaves
- Add MIDI support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Fingering Strings free?

Fingering Strings costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SmartScales free?

SmartScales is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Fingering Strings or SmartScales?

Fingering Strings is rated higher. Fingering Strings averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while SmartScales averages 4.2 from 38 ratings.

### Do Fingering Strings or SmartScales have ads?

Neither Fingering Strings nor SmartScales shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Fingering Strings or SmartScales?

Fingering Strings ships an update every 17 months, and SmartScales every 5 months. Most recently, Fingering Strings was updated on October 1, 2026 and SmartScales on October 13, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*