User Guide: Scale Studio

Scale Studio It is an educational and interactive tool designed to explore musical scales, from the most common to the most exotic. It not only functions as a visual dictionary, but also allows you to connect your own MIDI keyboard to play and listen to the scales in real time using the web's audio engine.

1. What is this tool used for?

This application resolves theoretical doubts and enhances instrumental practice:

  • Dictionary of Scales: Instantly visualize what notes the "Mixolydian b6" scale, the "Hirajoshi" scale, or any Greek mode has.

  • Practice with Real MIDI: Connect your physical keyboard to practice fingering exotic scales without the need to install complex software (DAWs).

  • Auditory Training: Familiarize yourself with the sound of harmonic systems from other cultures (such as the Arabic Double Harmonica) by playing them yourself.

2. How to use the application (Step by step)

The interface is intuitive and controlled from the side panel, automatically integrating with your hardware.

Step 1: Connect your MIDI Controller (New)

Before you begin (or at any time), connect your keyboard or MIDI controller to your computer via USB.

  • The application will automatically detect MIDI input (thanks to WebMIDI technology).

  • Try it! Touch a key on your physical piano; you will see the corresponding key light up on the screen and play through the web.

Step 2: Define the Key (Root Note)

In the section ""Root Note"", Select the root (tonic) note. If you change the tonic, your MIDI keyboard will still respond, but the display will show you the new, correct notes for that key.

Step 3: Choose the Scale System

Select the family of scales you wish to study:

  • Greek Modes: Ionic, Doric, Aeolian, etc.

  • Melodic and Harmonic Minor: With all its complex modes (e.g. Lydian Dominant).

  • Scales of the World: Double Harmonica (Arab), Hirajoshi (Japanese), Whole Tone.

  • Pentatonic: Greater, Lesser, Egyptian, etc.

Step 4: Visualize and Touch

Press ""Show Scale"".

  • Visual Guide: On the screen, only the keys that belong to the scale will light up.

  • Interpretation: Use your MIDI controller to play. The tool will serve as a visual guide: if you play a note that No If it lights up on the screen, you'll know you've gone off the selected scale.

Step 5: Customize the Sound

Adjust the experience in the bottom panel:

  • Instrument: Switch the sound between Piano, Organ, Strings or Synthesizer to get inspired.

  • Topic and Range: Adjust the visual theme (Light/Dark) and the visible octave range.

3. Practical Use Cases

  1. Improvisation Practice: Select a complex scale (e.g. Phrygian DominantPlay your MIDI keyboard while looking at the screen; the lights will guide you to know which keys are "valid", helping you to memorize the intervallic structure in your fingers.

  2. Rapid Composition: Looking for a melody with a Japanese feel? Choose the scale Hirajoshi, Connect your controller and start playing freely. With immediate visual and auditory feedback, you'll find ideas faster than looking up notes in a book.