Comparison

FretBuilder vs Fretboard Master

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

Head to head
About

FretBuilder

Features
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Grow as a musician by visualizing notes on your instrument's fretboard. With this app, you can view some (or all) of your instrument's fretboard, tap to hear pitches at any string/fret, and use overlays to help you quickly identify pitches. The app supports multiple fretted string instruments, including guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele. It also features some of the most common preset tunings. Some advanced features of the app are enabled with a subscription, including custom fretboard designs (via photo library selection), custom instrument tunings, and a special overlay mode that lets you tap any position on the fretboard to see the individual pitch! More features are planned, so keep your eyes peeled and your instruments tuned! Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Fretboard Master

Features
Read full description

【Take Your Guitar Fretboard Knowledge to the Next Level】 Fretboard Master is a dynamic learning app designed to visualize note names, intervals, scales, and chord shapes directly on the guitar fretboard. Equipped with a built-in tuner and metronome, it’s the ultimate all-in-one tool to supercharge your daily practice. β–  Key Features Dynamic Interval & Note Display: Easily switch views across all keys (supporting both sharps and flats). Comprehensive Scale Mapping: Instantly map essential jazz and rock scales across the entire fretboard. Tension Note Visualization: Check and analyze tension notes based on different chord types. CAGED System Integration: Visualize and master fretboard patterns using the CAGED system. Built-in Metronome: Practice seamlessly with background playback support. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, Fretboard Master is your powerful companion to deepening your understanding of music theory and mastering improvisation.

Screenshots

FretBuilder4 screens
Fretboard Master4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: FretBuilder at none against Fretboard Master's shown. Fretboard Master's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 15 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. FretBuilder sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Fretboard Master sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FretBuilder ships an update every 15 months, Fretboard Master every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
FretBuilder versus Fretboard Master: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFretBuilderFretboard Master
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 15 monthsEvery 3 weeks β€” better
AdsNo β€” betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” better
Requires iOS17.615.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size16 MB29 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBrandon FrauneANTENNA WORKS

In-app purchases

2 purchases

FretBuilder

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly premium$1.991 Month
  • Yearly premium$19.991 Year
1 purchases

Fretboard Master

One-time1
  • εΊƒε‘Šγ‚’ε‰Šι™€$1.99

Questions

Is FretBuilder free?
FretBuilder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Fretboard Master free?
Fretboard Master is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do FretBuilder or Fretboard Master have ads?
Fretboard Master shows ads; FretBuilder does not.
Which is updated more often, FretBuilder or Fretboard Master?
FretBuilder ships an update every 15 months, and Fretboard Master every 3 weeks. Most recently, FretBuilder was updated on October 27, 2026 and Fretboard Master on October 31, 2026.

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