FlashChords

FlashChords is a flashcard program for guitarists and horn players to practice scales.

Cards are created at random from a list of chord types and root notes, and are shown consecutively with a metronome and backing track. The user plays along with the cards, either reading the scale or playing it from memory. The key can be transposed to suit Bb and Eb instruments.

The goal for FlashChords is to supply a practice tool with as much versatility as possible, so the user can decide how best to run it.
Any given card can be repeated indefinitely, the speed can be altered, and the cards can be halted or restarted during play. A new set of cards of any number up to 99 can be started at any time.

The cards show the chord symbol, eg C7#9, for a four-measure time period, while a drum track, piano chord, and notes of the scale which best fits the chord are played. The notes are shown on a stave, and a text description of the scale and the formula for finding it is also shown.

There are settings for choosing which chord symbols are used, which notes of the chromatic scale are used as roots of the chords, whether the chord notes are shown, or the scale notes, or the description.

The sounds can be turned off separately: you can have drums on/off, chords on/off, scale on/off, allowing users to have whatever combination suits their stage of development.

FlashChords is designed primarily for practicing jazz scales, but simpler scales are included for plain triads, and advanced scales are used for altered chords.