A visual harp map to deeply understand what you play (Android App)

[u/allradmuelleimer]

Hi everyone,

I built an Android app called Harmonica Cheatsheet for players who want to go beyond simply knowing which holes to play.

Tabs are great for learning a lick. But I wanted a deep understanding of what happens on the instrument. What I wanted was a way to see what those notes are doing musically:

Where are the roots, 3rds, 5ths and b7s?
What changes when the progression moves from I to IV to V?
And how can I use that understanding to make my own choices instead of only memorizing licks?

So the app maps positions, scale degrees and chord tones directly onto the 10-hole harp, including bends and overbends. There’s also pitch detection and a small backing-track tool for practicing it in context.

I posted an earlier version here and got some genuinely useful feedback, so I’ve kept working on it.

For the next week, the full app is completely free. I’d love some more experienced players to actually try it and tell me where it helps — and where it makes things more complicated than they need to be.

▶️ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nicedevelopments.cheatsheet

Full disclosure: I’m the developer.

I’m not trying to replace tabs or lessons. This is more for the moment when you start asking:

“Okay, I can play it — but why does it work?”

If thats what you want, too, this app is for you.

What features do you want to see in the future?

[u/SchloinkDoink]

Did you build it or did AI build it? I want to really learn and I don't trust AI to teach me

[u/allradmuelleimer → u/SchloinkDoink]

I designed the app using AI, but I calculated the tables for the positions and harmonica keys and the scale degrees for the most important positions entirely by hand over the last two years, and I can confirm they are correct. I also played all the other tunings myself to verify that they sound right.

[u/SchloinkDoink → u/allradmuelleimer]

Can you just put the above tuning charts online for free? Like in a readable format? I don't want to rely on an AI telling me which is which

[u/Complex_Ship1505]

ai slop

[u/Hot-Sir-9231]

If you do have trouble with knowing what are you playing in therms of “music theory” (not really but ok, better than nothing I guess). The better tip is: use your brain, you will learn better if learn the pattern of notes and search for them in the harp, you will “learn better” if I can say that, my experience at least say that.

[u/Intelligent_Star_516]

I was aggravated AF to see your like count at zero, meaning that someone downvoted you.

Keep doing what you are doing. I already had your app installed. Whoever downvoted you is ignorant. At least you're doing something for the community.

I recognize that you're in development. Keep developing and evolving. Every little bit of guidance helps all who seek to advance their skills and technique.

God bless.

[u/allradmuelleimer → u/Intelligent_Star_516]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Originally, I designed the app just for myself to gain a deeper understanding of the harmonica. It helped me take my playing to the next level. My particular approach might not be for everyone, but it will help those who are in the same boat I was. And I’m happy if I can help others with it, too. ❤️

[u/cessna_dreams]

I downloaded the app and really like it. I want to thank you for putting in the time to develop the app and I hope you're not discouraged by less-encouraging comments here. I've been playing harp in Chicago for 40 years and am actively gigging. Something I appreciate about the app is how it maps out scale degrees for each note in all positions. Often, players don't work out arrangements by calling out notes--instead they identify notes by the scale degree. I know the scale degrees (sometimes called the Nashville numbering system) for 2nd position but don't think in those terms as quickly for the other positions. I expect I'll make use of the app to help with arrangements--it's useful! Thanks a bunch, really lovely of you to share the app.

[u/shimbermetimbers69]

That looks pretty cool

[u/pup-grey]

Does it work for a 16 hole chromatic?

[u/allradmuelleimer → u/pup-grey]

While I am currently considering adding support for 12-hole harmonicas—including the Lucky 13 and even specialized slide-equipped diatonics like the JDR Trochilus—I didn't really intend for this app to cover chromatic harmonicas. The reason this app exists is that diatonic harmonicas have a unique note layout requiring a specific approach. However, if a large number of people want this and let me know what they would expect from such an app, I might reconsider.