FAQs

  • Where is the data stored?

    Data is stored in your browser's local storage and never leaves your computer/smartphone by itself. None of your collections, exercises or practice entries data is sent to any servers.

    The caveat is that if you lose access to your device, your data will be lost! A "sync across devices" feature is on the roadmap and it will most likely be a paid feature.

    Warning! Make sure you're not using private browsing / incognito mode, othrewise all data will be lost at the end of the browser session.

  • Can I take a backup of my data?

    Good question! You can and you should for the reason mentioned above. Backup/Restore functionality is available from the dashboard.

  • Can I use captrice across multiple devices?

    The "sync across devices" feature is on the roadmap and it will most likely be included in a paid plan.

    One way to workaround this limitation is to take backups regularly and sync them to Dropbox or a similar tool. Then you can restore the latest one on another device when you need to.

    Warning! Restoring from backup causes existing data to be wiped out and overwritten, so please exercise caution!

  • What do the terms "local-first" and "local-only" mean?

    "local-first" is a type of software that prefers to store user's data locally i.e. on their respective devices instead of a central server (a.k.a. cloud). But with an option to sync it to remote servers or other devices for durability and convenience. Without this option, it's "local-only".

    The current version of captrice is local-only but it aims to be local-first i.e. by giving the users a choice to sync their data so that they may access it on multiple devices seamlessly.

    Local-only software has caveats which you should be aware of.

  • Does captrice record audio from my device?

    No. Captrice doesn't record any audio and doesn't need to listen to you play. All it captures and stores is metronome data while you practice.

  • Can I share my collections/exercises with others?

    Absolutely! Exporting and importing exercise collections is an important feature of Captrice. If you are a guitar teacher, you may share your exercises with your students this way.

    However, at present you cannot shares updates for an already imported collection (something that works when you import from the library).

  • Why is it recommended to avoid editing collections imported from the library?

    When you import collections from the library, you can receive updates whenever the collection author publishes a new version. These updates might include new exercises or improvements to existing ones. However, if you've made your own modifications to the collection, these personal changes will be overwritten when you update to the newer version.

  • No sound plays when I start the metronome

    If you are using the Safari browser on iOS, check if silent mode enabled. If not, please report the problem by sending an email to , along with details about the device you are using.

  • I am getting an error when restoring from a backup
    Check if,
    • the backup file was edited manually
    • a very old backup file was restored

    If not, then the only other reason why restore would fail is a bug. Regardless, please reach out to me at and I may be able to help you recover your data.

  • Sometimes I get "404 Not found" upon refreshing the page

    This is a known issue. Captrice is built as a Single page application and served directly from a CDN so URL paths don't work when opened in the browser directly. I plan to fix this issue if the project generates enough interest.

  • Does Captrice work on a phone/ipad/tablet?
    Yes. The app is designed to work on smaller devices. But there are a few things to consider,
    • When the metronome is playing, the app usually inhibits auto-locking, unless you are running on low power/battery saver mode, then the screen may auto-lock anyway
    • Depending on the size of the screen, you may find it inconvenient to create collections, exercises and edit tablature. In that case you can use a desktop/laptop for authoring and then use the export/import functionality to copy data to a mobile. This way you can still use mobile for practicing.
  • Do I need to understand music theory to use captrice?

    No. I think I know the cause of this confusion - In all the screenshots and demos, tablature/notation is what sticks out giving an impression that it's music theory heavy or something. If you can read guitar tablature, that's a bonus. Understand that tablature is optional and mainly for (1) future reference, so you know what you're practicing if you're revisiting an exercise after a while (2) sharing an exercise you created with others.

    Having said that, if you aspire to be a musician then yes, you must learn at least basic music theory. Anyone who tells you otherwise is trying to mislead you!

  • Can I use this app to practice other instruments?

    Certainly! The same fundamentals and the benefits of practicing with a metronome are applicable for other instruments too. Even the idea of practicing variations fits well for other instruments such as drums—playing the same rudiments open-handed v/s closed-handed or heel up v/s heel down etc.

    The alphaTex music notation also supports different instruments. Please check its documentation for more details.

  • Any plans to bundle this as a mobile app?

    No plans as of now. I know there are limitations of an in-browser app v/s a standalone mobile app. But the in-browser Web Audio APIs work satisfactorily, at least based on my own use. An additional upside is that I have more control when it comes to releasing features and bug fixes.

  • Where do I report bugs or send feedback/suggestions?

    Just send an email to for just about anything. I plan to put better systems in place if the project generates enough interest.

  • Can I add my collections to the library?

    Let's talk! Please write to me on the above mentioned email address.

  • I have a problem with some content in the library. Where can I report?

    If you find a collection/exercise that is plagiarized or lacks proper attribution to the original creator, please write to me at the above mentioned email address.

  • Is it free?

    Yes, the local-only version of captrice is and will always be completely free to use. If you want to voluntarily support the project, you can buy me a coffee!