In the Scales tools, patterns show how a scale can be played in specific positions on the fretboard. Instead of displaying all scale notes across the neck, the pattern view focuses on a single playable shape.

You can switch between different patterns using the pattern navigation buttons and explore how the same scale can be played in different positions. The fretboard display adapts automatically to the selected instrument and tuning.

Scale patterns can also be used directly for practice. From the menu, you can create a new exercise from the selected pattern or add it to an existing exercise.

Additionally, smartChord supports different pattern modes, such as patterns based on 2, 3, or 4 notes per string, which helps you practice different playing approaches and technical concepts.

The Mode button in the left bottom corner allows you to switch between the pattern modes:

• Fretboard: It shows all notes of the scale over the fretboard. There is a toggle button to fade in or fade out the range gauge. It can be used to adjust the visible range of the fretboard
• Pattern: This mode creates scale patterns, where the notes of the scale are played in the order of the scale. You can use the spinner in the top right corner to set the maximum number of frets used for a pattern
• 2 notes per string pattern: This mode creates scale patterns where the notes of the scale are played in the order of the scale and on all strings are two notes played
• 2 notes per string pattern: This mode creates scale patterns where the notes of the scale are played in the order of the scale and on all strings are two notes played
• 4 notes per string pattern: This mode creates scale patterns where the notes of the scale are played in the order of the scale and on all strings are four notes played.

Please note that it is not possible to create a pattern for every tuning and every scale.

If you have selected one of the pattern modes, you can use the Overview button to get to the Scale pattern overview screen.

To the the pattern diagrams bigger or smaller, can zoom with a pinch gesture.

By setting the size of the diagrams in the overview, you also define their size – and therefore how many patterns are printed per page when printing or generating a PDF.

Edit Scale Patterns in the Pattern Editor

The Scales tools provide ready-to-use shapes that help you learn how scales are organized across the fretboard. However, these patterns are not fixed — you can customize and extend them using the Pattern Editor.

If you want to adapt a pattern to your personal practice method, you can open the current scale pattern in the Pattern Editor using the menu. There you can freely modify the pattern directly on the fretboard.

For example, you can:

• Add or remove notes from the pattern
• Focus on a smaller fretboard range
• Create variations of an existing pattern
• Design exercises for specific fingerings or positions

Simply open the pattern in the Pattern Editor, adjust the notes on the fretboard, and then create a new exercise or add the modified pattern to an existing exercise.

This allows you to start with the predefined scale patterns and refine them to match your own learning goals and playing style.