UPDATE:
As a result of sending email to the dev as suggested in review by dpukala, and Rolf's honestly surprising openness, thoughtfulness, speed in replying and craftsmanlike work in response, I have deleted my previous cranky review. Not to spare myself the embarrassment, I'd own that, but because anyone that works as meticulously and with as much care as this guy does doesn't deserve any of it. Honestly, the only time I've seen an equal investment and responsiveness has been with Jesse @ Thumbjam/Drumjam. It's inspiring to see people care.
Current review (great updates are coming):
- The app is very attractive, the interface is clean, well thought out, and presented in such a way as to be most effective to speed and depth of learning, and therefore actual musicianship.
- There are a lot of options, and as a result a lot of ways to approach training. It's worth the time spent digging through the setting and experimenting. Some approaches will be appropriate for some folks, some for others, but if there isn't something useful and directed to your purpose in here then you're either a wizard or aren't really looking to learn to read fluently. (Or even just learn the note names by direct "feel" ifvthat's all you want, though with a tool like this available it would be a waste and an self-imposed limitation to stop there.)
- I have forwarded the following requests to the dev:
- A clarified set of fret range options along with the ability to set custom fret ranges. He's gone several steps better and changes are forthcoming.
- That unselected strings not respond to input, since when strings are set to OFF intentionally one obviously doesn't intend to hit them during testing. Again, a change is forthcoming.
- That the string spacing be slightly larger, decreasing the number of incorrect answers due to slightly misplaced touches, and to some degree reducing the amount of looking up and down to see the notation while keeping track of the fretboard. Yet again, change is on the way.
- Altogether this app stands out (or virtually alone) among its competitors. And you can be sure if there's a problem or a reasonable need for update, AND the dev is informed, he'll be on it. It's rare to see this level of investment, responsiveness and care.
- Easily worth the money in terms of quality, comparison to "similar" apps, and potential for gains in proficiency on the instrument.