Jazz Scale Suggester System for Windows

Used Jazz Scale Suggester System for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffDecember 7, 2014

This program quickly helps you find the right scale for improvisation over jazz tunes, but it only seems appropriate for those who already have a solid grounding in musical theory. Although Jazz Scale Suggester System's nonresizable interface couldn't be described as attractive, it is at least simple to use, thanks in part to instructions that line the bottom of the screen. Eight separate windows let you find scales by choosing key and type (such as E-minor 9th) from drop-down boxes. Once you've filled in the blanks, the program will ask you what key the song you want to vamp over is in, but it's not essential that you know for sure. After that, the program instantly returns suggestions as to what scales you might try. Also, though Jazz Scale Suggester System does offer brief explanations about the scale in question, it can't audibly play the notes for you or show you their locations on a scale or via tablature. Still, the help files do contain valuable information for those willing to invest the time to digest everything. All told, this application will better suit laptop-toting jazz musicians than less-experienced players looking for a learning tool.

What’s new in version 3.5b

Version 3.5b has a very minor modification to help users reach the new webpage for purchasing a license for the full program.