Last updated: February 2026
Guitar Microphone Note Trainer
Microphone Note Trainer (FretGenius PRO) is not just a labeler. It is a training mode: the app prompts a target note, listens through your device mic, and confirms when you play the correct pitch, then shows heatmaps and a speed trend based on real guitar playing.
Download on the App Store | Get it on Google Play
What it does (in plain terms)
You get a prompt like “Play this note: F#”.
You play it on your guitar.
FretGenius listens and gives instant feedback:
- Matched (you hit the right note)
- Not matched (you did not)
- Guidance when the room is too noisy (so you do not waste time)
Then you get practice analytics that most “pitch detector” apps do not offer:
- A session heatmap (where you were slow or inconsistent on the instrument)
- A mic speed trend over time (“time to play” based on successful matches)
This is why Microphone Note Trainer is the core differentiator in FretGenius PRO: it turns “I think I know the fretboard” into measurable, instrument-based proof.
”What note am I playing?” vs “Train me to hit the right note”
A lot of people want one of these two outcomes:
A) “What note am I playing?”
That is a classic pitch detector or tuner use case.
B) “Tell me when I played the correct note”
That is Microphone Note Trainer.
Instead of detecting whatever you happened to play, the app makes you aim:
- it prompts a target note
- you play it
- it confirms correctness
- it tracks speed and consistency
That difference (aim -> confirm -> measure) is what turns note recognition into skill-building.
Why this is more useful than a generic note detector
Most “note detector” apps answer: what did you just play?
FretGenius answers a more actionable question:
Can you reliably produce the requested note, fast, on the real instrument, across the neck?
That is the bottleneck behind:
- missing chord tones during solos
- getting lost when transposing
- slow “hunt and peck” improvisation
- theory that you understand intellectually but cannot execute
How the Microphone Note Trainer works
- Tune first (fast)
The app can guide tuning so your pitch matches what you are aiming for. - Get a target note
You will see a big note target (letter name). - Play the note on your guitar
In guided modes, the app can constrain the task (example: “use this string, frets 0-11”) so practice is controlled. - Get instant feedback
You will see live status while it listens and locks. - Review your results
You get:- Notes played
- Median time to play
- A heatmap for that session
Over time, you also unlock a mic speed trend (your “time to play” curve).
Heatmaps + speed trends from real playing
FretGenius already uses heatmaps for on-screen recall.
Microphone Note Trainer extends that concept to real guitar execution:
- Heatmap: shows where your playing-based recall is weakest (slow or hesitant zones)
- Speed trend: tracks whether your median “time to play” is improving over weeks
This is the difference between knowing the fretboard and being able to use it under pressure.
Where it fits in the FretGenius system
FretGenius has a simple loop:
- Learn: Note Quiz (fast recall reps, screen-only)
- Apply: Play Along (musical reps where your ear is the judge)
- Prove: Phase Checks (gated benchmarks)
Microphone Note Trainer is the “real instrument” layer:
- It reinforces the same note targets on the guitar
- It adds proof via playing-based speed + consistency
- It is ideal when you want the app to be the judge, not your ear
If you want ear training where you judge correctness by sound, use:
FAQ
Is this a “note recognition app”?
Yes, in the practical sense that it recognizes pitch to confirm you played the target note. But it is designed as a trainer, not just a detector.
Does it work for acoustic and electric guitar?
Yes. It uses your device microphone, so acoustic works naturally, and electric works as long as your phone can hear it clearly (a quiet room helps).
Does it recognize chords?
Microphone Note Trainer is built for single-note accuracy and speed (note-by-note recall). Chord recognition is a different problem and not the goal here.
Do I need Standard E tuning?
The guided fretboard-based experience is currently optimized around Guitar + Standard E (matching the Note Path eligibility). There is also a simpler “Quick Start” style mic training flow inside the app that works with other stringed instruments.
Is it free?
Microphone Note Trainer is a FretGenius PRO feature. The app also includes free training modes and tools.
Start training with live listening
If you want “what note am I playing?” use a tuner.
If you want “tell me when I played the correct note (fast)”, use Microphone Note Trainer.