This is the Scale Spelling Game, where you learn how to spell notes correctly in different musical scales. To play simply pick an option from the available choices using the keys on your computer keyboard or click the relevant accidental button with your mouse.
Each of the seven train cars corresponds to one scale degree. Match existing scale ticket with the appropriate natural, sharp or flat sign. Each ticket is issued in C major by default. However, there’s an option to issue yourself a new ticket at will. This means that not only does it randomise the tonic note but also the chosen mode. It supports tonic notes of E flat, B flat, F, D, G and C. Modes is limited to harmonic minor, mixolydian, dorian, natural minor, and major.
How to Play the Scale Spelling Game
You can then compare your work against the standard theory by checking the interval pattern and scale name on each ticket. The letter name for each of the seven cars cannot be changed; instead, you choose the accidental applicable to this letter. There are three buttons in each car: one provides a natural, one a flat, another a sharp of the note. Fill the car by clicking on the right accidental, and then do this for every one of the seven degree to finish the scale.
The train sounds out with an ascending series of notes if your selection follows the pattern of the scale. If not, the feedback text will spell out what you have done wrong. If you are stuck at any degree just click the coach button which then locates the next available blank/incorrectly spelt car, fills in the appropriate accidental and highlights that option briefly for you to view what was missing. You will also notice it does not reset the whole scale, helping you to learn the spelling of the accidentals correctly. Try using this sparingly as a test of your memory and only when you need assistance.
Sound helps reinforce what you are learning. Each time you choose an accidental it immediately plays that note through. Once you have finished the full scale correctly, you will hear the whole sequence from bottom to top. These sounds can be adjusted with the woody mallet volume slider. As the name suggests, the tone is intended to copy a felt mallet hitting a wooden bar. This creates a rounded, soft attack on every note.
The “send the scale train uphill” button will play what you’ve written even if it’s not right so that you can hear what your choices are sounding like without having to verify anything. You can also click on “return cars to sidings” and clear everything out if you wanted to try again from scratch. The “send the scale train uphill” button works well for getting a feel for when something is and isn’t right interval-wise.
For those who use keyboards, the game provides good navigation. To jump straight to the desired scale degree, simply press the number on the keyboard (one through seven). After focusing on a car, you can move from option to option with the left and right arrow keys and then hit Enter or Space to select the desired accidental. You may want to follow the normal navigation flow using the tab key instead.
You can compare modes with a unique parallel route button too that holds the tonic in place while toggling from major to natural minor showing how this alters degree three, six and seven. This is a great tool for learning about parallel keys. There’s even a short paragraph in the help section on how the controls work, should you want a reminder.
Clicking the fullscreen button will zoom in on the game so you can concentrate without any distraction. It’ll also adapt to dark mode automatically if that’s what your system preference says. Whether you’re working with a small screen or just prefer less distraction when gaming, all control buttons stay clearly visible and usable. They work perfectly no matter which theme you use.
The aim here is to develop fluency around identifying scale patterns and using them. Start with the major scales to get familiar with how they are set up. Then, move to the minor modes, where you will notice how the accidentals has moved. The instant audio feedback links what’s being spelled visually and heard; use the coach only when you are prepared to advance. See if you can punch a few tickets quickly.