Comparison

8Strummer vs Fretref

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

8Strummer

This app helps guitarists improve their rhythm and strumming skills. Practice complex patterns with a metronome and various chord shapes. It also serves as a tool for songwriters to find the perfect groove.

Highlights
  • Rhythm pattern practice
  • 27 chord shapes
  • Metronome accompaniment
  • Save favorite patterns
  • Randomize pattern
  • Muted and ringing chords
Features
Read full description

A RHYTHM GUITAR PRIMER: Keep that pick hand moving in time, until it becomes second nature. A VITAL RESOURCE FOR PRACTISING AND IMPROVING RHYTHM GUITAR SKILLS: Practise strumming complex rhythm patterns and get your timing perfect! A USEFUL SONGWRITING TOOL: Find the perfect groove for your next song! ----- Strumming in 8ths is: * 4 down-strums on the numbered beats * 4 up-strums on the 'ands': 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & = down, up, down, up, down, up, down, up. Strumming in 16ths is: * 8 down-strums on the numbered beats and the 'ands' * 8 up-strums on the in-betweens: 1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a = down, up, down, up, etc... IMPORTANT: Always keep your strumming hand moving up and down evenly - including rest strokes. • Practice with a click and one of 27 chord shapes. • Save your favourite patterns • Shake to randomise the pattern • Different notation types • Muted and ringing chords Designed and produced in collaboration with guitarist and tutor Simon Nelson

About

Fretref

Features
Read full description

Enhance your guitar knowledge and practice routine with the FretRef app Features: - An intuitive Guitar fretboard simulation with box shape pattern visualisations, auto-play feature and an exhaustive library of scales and chords - Numerous custom tunings for multiple number of strings - Realistic guitar tone generated in realtime, no sample downloads required - Includes a harmonisation tool with scale-chord compatibility chart computation for all chords and scales as a handy feature for song-writers, composers - Includes a virtual jam buddy for your guitar practice with the AutoStrum feature - Create & record backing tracks using numerous chords with variable tempo & rhythms and a plethora of drumloops, or just practice along your lead guitar skills - Custom options include 5, 6, 7 & 8 strings - Right and left-handed orientation - Musical scales include: Major scale with the modes- Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian & Locrian, Melodic Minor scale with its modes, Symmetrical scales, Harmonic scales, Pentatonic scales and many more - Chords includes 5th, Major, Minor, 7th, 9th, 13th and many more along with inversions and slash chord and omit notes option for extended chords - Custom tunings include Standard, DADGAD, Open, Crossnote, Modal, Major seconds, Minor thirds, Major thirds and many more - International notations include English, German, Spanish, Indian, Japanese, Japanese (Romanji), Korean, Korean (Romanji), Cyrillic and French - Premium features include full library unlock, progression & strumming pattern save, and the ability to record backing tracks from the AutoStrum feature (with subscription as well as one time full purchase options) Terms and Conditions (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

8Strummer4 screens
Fretref4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: 8Strummer at none against Fretref's 3. 8Strummer also leads on iOS requirement (7.0 vs 14.0). Fretref's advantage is update cadence (every 3 months vs every 26 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Fretref sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. 8Strummer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

8Strummer ships an update every 26 months, Fretref every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
8Strummer versus Fretref: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter8StrummerFretref
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.6 (11 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings11 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 26 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS7.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB102 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDrew MilloyPanña Creative Studios

In-app purchases

None

8Strummer

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Fretref

Subscriptions2
  • Premium - Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Premium - Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$18.491 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Lifetime$34.99

Questions

Is 8Strummer free?
8Strummer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Fretref free?
Fretref is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do 8Strummer or Fretref have ads?
Neither 8Strummer nor Fretref shows ads.
Which is updated more often, 8Strummer or Fretref?
8Strummer ships an update every 26 months, and Fretref every 3 months. Most recently, 8Strummer was updated on October 23, 2026 and Fretref on October 12, 2026.

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