Mobile Layout Improvements

Release 2026.02.06

Mobile Layout Improvements

Fitting everything that StringTheoryPro has to offer on smaller screens is a big challenge - but one that we take seriously. This release improves mobile layouts by hiding diminished chords when displaying all the chords in a given key & mode. The diminished chords can still be accessed by clicking on the new "View Diminished Chord" button that appears below a chord group when it contains a hidden diminished chord.

The Decision to Hide Diminished Chords

We love Diminished Chords! But the fact is, they tend to be used less often than major and minor chords. The small screen size of mobile phones makes space at a premium in our user interface. Due to these factors we ultimately decided to hide diminished chords on these smaller devices.

What's a Diminished Chord Anyway?

A diminished chord is a spooky, tense-sounding chord that beginner guitar players often describe as "creepy" or "unsettled" — it doesn't feel happy like a major chord or sad like a minor one; instead, it creates a sense of suspense, like something unresolved is about to happen. It's built by starting on any root note, then stacking two minor thirds (each a gap of three frets on the guitar). On guitar, these chords sound dissonant and unstable by themselves, so they're usually used as quick "passing" chords to smoothly connect other chords in songs (like in jazz, blues turnarounds, or even some classic rock), adding drama without staying too long.

Responsive Application Design

Did you know that StringTheoryPro features a responsive user interface? If you haven't yet - try visiting https://stringtheory.pro/app on your laptop or desktop computer. You might be surprised to see how the layout differs from mobile devices. The additional screen space is put to good use, with more spacing, larger diagrams and additional controls.