Last month I went down a rabbit hole.
I downloaded every fretboard training app I could find. Paid ones, free ones, the ones with thousands of reviews and the sketchy ones with twelve downloads. I wanted to know what's actually out there — what works, what's overhyped, and what's just trying to squeeze money out of frustrated guitarists.
Here's my brutally honest breakdown.
Fretonomy — The Feature-Packed Giant
Let's start with the big one. Fretonomy is probably the most recommended fretboard app in guitar forums. And honestly? It deserves the hype. Mostly.
What's good: This thing has everything. Scales, chords, intervals, ear training. There's a heat map that shows you which notes you're struggling with. The interface looks professional. It feels like a real product, not someone's weekend project.
What's annoying: It's... a lot. Like, almost too much. You open the app wanting to do a quick five-minute drill and suddenly you're lost in seventeen different menus. Some people love having all those options. I found it overwhelming when I just wanted to practice note locations.
And then there's the money thing. The free version basically locks you out of anything useful past the first few frets. Want the full fretboard? That's a subscription. For what is essentially a flashcard app.
Verdict: Great if you want a complete theory suite and don't mind paying. Overkill if you just want to drill notes.
JustinGuitar Note Trainer — The Friendly Guide
Justin Sandercoe is a legend. His free YouTube lessons have taught more people guitar than probably any music school. So expectations were high for his app.
What's good: Super beginner-friendly. The interface is clean, nothing confusing. If you're following his structured course, this app fits right into that ecosystem.
What's annoying: It's paid. And if you're not already in the JustinGuitar universe, the app feels a bit restrictive. It really wants you to follow his specific progression.
Verdict: Perfect for beginners doing the JustinGuitar course. Less ideal if you're intermediate and just want a standalone tool.
Web-Based Tools (FaChords, Guitar Orb)
There's a whole category of browser-based fretboard trainers. No download, just open and go.
What's good: The convenience is unbeatable. No app store, no updates, no storage space.
What's annoying: Here's the big one — none of them have microphone input. You're clicking or tapping your answers, not actually playing guitar. It's more like a quiz than real practice.
Verdict: Good for quick mental quizzes. But the lack of actual playing integration is a pretty big gap.
The Thing Nobody's Doing
So after all this testing, here's what I noticed:
- Mobile apps with microphone detection? Plenty. But they all want your money, and you're stuck downloading another app.
- Free web tools you can use instantly? Sure. But no microphone. You're not really playing.
- A web-based tool with mic detection that's actually free? Basically nobody.
That gap is exactly why I built FretMemo.
Where FretMemo Fits
I'm not gonna pretend FretMemo does everything. It doesn't teach you chord theory. It won't explain the circle of fifths.
Here's what it does:
- Works in your browser. No download, no account, no "allow notifications?" popups.
- Has microphone detection. Actually play the notes on your guitar. It listens and checks if you're right.
- Also works without mic. On the bus? Use it as a mental flashcard trainer.
- Actually free. Not "free trial." Not "first 5 frets free." The whole thing. No ads.
Who Should Use What
You're a total beginner and want structure: JustinGuitar, probably. His whole system is built for you.
You want ALL the features and theory tools: Fretonomy. Just budget for the subscription.
You want quick, no-friction drilling on any device: That's what I built FretMemo for. Open, practice, close. Done.
If that sounds good to you, give FretMemo a shot. If not, hey, at least now you know what else is out there.