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GuitarParrot creates a random melody from the Level, Scale and Key that you select, and listens for you to imitate what it plays.
Start off by getting tuned up on the Sound Check page. When you are ready for your workout, use the menu to go to the Play screen. Begin with the default, lowest Level and 4-note Scale settings first, until you get comfortable.
The microphone icon at the top indicates the listening status on every screen. GuitarParrot is listening only when the mic icon is red. The mic is gray when it is not listening. GuitarParrot does not record or store any input; it listens in real time for notes and disposes of the stream after analysis.
All settings and stats are saved to the local device and are not shared or uploaded. Deleting the app deletes all settings and stats.
GuitarParrot can be played with the mic using an acoustic guitar or electric guitar through an amp, clean or dirty. Do not add effects to your sound! Echo or chorus will confuse the pitch detection.
Neck pickup or dark tones work better than bright settings. Noisy appliances nearby can cause problems when using the mic.
You can use USB interfaces (like iRig HD-X) and wired earphones with or without a built-in mic. Make any external connections before launching GuitarParrot.
Bluetooth playback is supported. The notes that Parrot plays to you can be sent to most bluetooth headsets or speakers. GuitarParrot will still use the internal device mic to listen to you, BT mic is not supported.
The Play screen only becomes available after sound has been detected on the Sound Check page, indicated by any activity in the tuner window.
Sound Check Screen:
Check your tuning before going to the Play page!
All knobs rotate by sliding up and down across them.
Level:
Each level adds 4 notes, or one measure, to the melody. Level 1 is 4 notes long, Level 2 is 8 notes long, and so on.
Scale:
This is the heart of the game. Choose the scale type for your workout here. 4-note Scale is the simplest, 5-note is a Pentatonic scale.
Major and Minor (full version) scales are 8 notes, while Custom (full version) will allow you to build any scale shape.
Begin with the default, 4-note scale, 4-note game and work your way up.
Key:
All keys are here, arranged by the Circle of Fifths.
Tempo:
The Tempo knob adjusts how fast GuitarParrot plays notes, as well as how fast it expects you to play.
Based on the Tempo, experiment with staccato or legato playing styles. Staccato works better on the slower Tempo settings.
Octave:
Tap to select Low or High octave for the scale.
Input:
Shows how well you are being heard. You should at least see a green light.
Play! Screen:
The ♫ button plays the scale that you have selected, to prepare your ears.
The note names and fret numbers indicate where you can find these notes on your guitar and warm up.
When you are ready to start the workout, press ▶.
GuitarParrot gives you a 4-count and then plays the first note to you. Respond by playing the same note on your guitar when the screen flashes green.
Every melody begins with one note. When you correctly repeat all of the notes, you win the round and a bell sound is heard.
If you make a mistake, you will hear a sound, lose a guitar, and Parrot will repeat the last note(s) played. Each new melody offers three guitars (lives).
Stay aware of Tempo! GuitarParrot plays to you, then waits one beat before it starts listening. If Flash is on, you play when the fingerbaord turns green.
If you play before the fretboard turns green and the mic icon is red, you will fail. Be patient and let the app conduct you.
The Play! screen is intentionally boring. The object of ear training is to listen and play.
After awhile, try to play without watching the screen. Instead, look at your guitar or close your eyes!
Play Screen Event Sounds:
Bell: You have completed the current game!
Sonar Ping: GuitarParrot did not hear you.
Beep-Beep-Beep: GuitarParrot hears a wrong note.
Custom Screen:
The Scale on the Sound Check screen must be set to Custom to enable the Custom Screen.
Press each white or black key to include or remove it from the scale.
Press the ♫ button to hear the scale.
Tapping the blue Play! button takes you directly to the Play page so you can begin the game.
The Custom scale is saved locally on your device and is recalled each time you open GuitarParrot.
Settings Screen:
Continue:
Pause: The game will Pause after each mistake or win, with a pop-up "Keep going?" message. This setting is intended for beginners.
The "Go!" setting allows for hands-free, faster gameplay.
If you miss a note, Go! counts you in and resumes, but gameplay stops if you lose all three guitars.
Lives:
Select 3 lives or Infinite. Infinite setting disables stats.
Count-In:
"No" gives one count at game start. "Yes" gives count-in each time before you play.
Flash:
The fingerboard flashes green when it is your turn to play. You may disable it or enable it here.
Basic Troubleshooting
"I played the right note, but GuitarParrot fails me!"
GuitarParrot listens at or below the set tempo. Playing too fast will cause a failure. Raise the tempo if you want to play faster, or just relax and play to the tempo.
Go back to the Sound Check page and test all the selected notes using the tuner.
Make sure you are getting the letter you expect from each note.
For example, 4-note scale, key of C, make sure G, A, C, and D are detected by the tuner.
If using a direct line in, adjust the guitar volume. Try playing the same note on a different string.
Some acoustic instruments have strong overtones that can cause false pitch detection. Try playing a little softer and cleaner, you don't have to play loudly.
Note Placement:
GuitarParrot shows you ONE location for the selected notes. You may play the same notes in other locations, as long as the octave is the same. You may also bend notes, as long as you hit the right pitch! Your instructor may suggest alternate scale fingerings, feel free to experiment with various scale shapes.
Airplane Mode:
GuitarParrot is interrupted by incoming phone calls and alerts from other apps. Use Airplane Mode and turn off WiFi and BlueTooth when working out with GuitarParrot so you can concentrate with less interruption. Besides, it is impossible to play GuitarParrot and talk or text on the phone! It can't be done!
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