Custom instruments

Overview

If you play non-standard tunings or switch between instruments, custom instruments keep maps and charts aligned to your real setup.

The default instruments cover common cases, but if you play:

• A 7-string guitar
• Baritone guitar
• Bass in drop tuning
• Ukulele in a non-standard tuning
• A custom-built instrument

...you can create a custom instrument that matches exactly what you play.

Use cases

7-string and extended range guitars

Create a 7-string instrument with the correct string count and tuning. Chord maps and arpeggio maps will show voicings that use all seven strings.

Alternate tunings

If you keep one guitar in open D and another in standard, create separate custom instruments:

• "Guitar - Open D"
• "Guitar - Standard"

Then switch between them in maps depending on which guitar you're playing.

Bass with different tunings

5-string bass? Drop B? Create custom instruments for each configuration so the maps match your actual fretboard.

Teaching situations

If you're teaching a student with a smaller instrument or unusual tuning, create a matching custom instrument so the diagrams are accurate for them.

Create instruments

To add a custom instrument:

1. Go to the instrument manager (from Settings or the maps screen)
2. Click "Add instrument"
3. Enter a name (e.g., "7-String Standard")
4. Set the string count
5. Define or select the tuning for each string

Your new instrument appears in the instrument dropdown in chord and arpeggio maps.

Naming conventions

Good names help you find the right instrument quickly:

• "Guitar - Drop D"
• "Bass - 5-String"
• "Ukulele - Low G"
• "Baritone - B-B"

Include the key info: instrument type and what makes it unique.

Manage tunings

Each instrument can have multiple tunings associated with it. This lets you:

• Keep standard tuning as default
• Add alternate tunings you use occasionally
• Switch quickly without creating duplicate instruments

Reorder tunings

Drag to reorder so your most-used tunings appear first. This saves time when you're in the maps screen.

Delete or restore

If your rig changes:

• Delete instruments you no longer play
• Restore recently deleted instruments if you change your mind

Deleted instruments don't appear in the dropdown, but your data isn't immediately lost.

How custom instruments affect maps

Once you've created a custom instrument:

• Chord maps: Show voicings appropriate for your string count and tuning
• Arpeggio maps: Display positions across your actual fretboard
• Consistency: Same instrument selection applies across both map types

The maps account for:

• String count (different ranges)
• Tuning (different note layouts)
• Scale length implications (where relevant)

Tips for setting up instruments

Match your actual setup

The more accurately your custom instrument matches reality, the more useful the maps will be:

• String count: Must match exactly
• Tuning: Include any capo considerations (or create a separate "capoed" instrument)
• Name: Make it obvious which instrument this represents

Create one per physical instrument

If you have two guitars in different tunings, create two custom instruments. This is clearer than having one instrument with multiple tunings you switch between.

Consider practice vs performance

If you practice in one tuning but perform in another, consider:

• Creating both as separate instruments/tunings
• Using the practice setup for learning
• Switching to performance tuning when prepping charts

Next steps

• Chord maps — use your custom instrument to find voicings
• Arpeggio maps — explore positions on your instrument
• Open instrument manager — create your first custom instrument