Preview: pause/resume with cursor, stepping only while paused, indicator follows playback

- New phase 'previewPaused': pause stops scheduled audio but keeps the
  preview cursor; resume continues from the cursor position.
- Step buttons (and arrow keys) are active ONLY while the preview is
  paused; each step moves the cursor one event and plays that single
  note as a find-it-on-the-neck cue.
- Preview indicator now follows playback in real time: a cursor
  interval advances previewIdx by audio time (event start ticks), so
  the notation caret moves with the sounding note — also while
  paused at the stepped position.
- Main Start button shares the semantics: while previewing it shows
  Pause/Resume and routes to the preview controls (exercise and
  preview transport behave consistently).
- External pause (settings dialog, tab hide) during preview now keeps
  the cursor (previewPaused) instead of dropping to ready.

docs/PHRASE_DELIVERY.md

@@ -99,3 +99,35 @@ Implementation of [PHRASE_MODE_PLAN.md](../PHRASE_MODE_PLAN.md) and
 
 - MIDI adapter, motif-based generation, persisted phrase setup, extra
   repertoire, per-note timing scoring — all explicitly deferred in the plan.
+
+## Feedback round 4 (2026-09-15): always-eighths arpeggio/Giuliani + custom/random patterns
+
+**Generator redesign (Phrase Mode materials `arpeggio` + `giuliani`):**
+
+- **Always eighth notes** (240 ticks/note). The quarter-note fallback and
+  stretch-the-last-note logic were removed — the latter produced
+  non-renderable 2880-tick durations (two-octave arpeggio in 6/8) that
+  crashed the VexFlow renderer (white screen).
+- **Auto-derived meter** (`autoArpeggioMeter`): 3/4 vs 4/4 chosen by the
+  smallest rest remainder for the path length (fewer bars as tiebreaker).
+  Giuliani meter derives from figure length (3 voices → 3/4, 4 → 4/4,
+  5 → 4/4 + rest fill, 6 → 3/4). The Meter and Rhythm selects were removed
+  from both setups; leftover bar space is filled with rests built from
+  renderable durations only.
+- **Custom arpeggio pattern**: new `custom` pattern + text field; digits map
+  1=root, 2=third, 3=fifth, 4=octave, 5=fifth above the octave; invalid
+  input fails with an actionable error.
+- **Random arpeggio pattern**: new `random` pattern — one broken-chord
+  figure is chosen deterministically per seed, so every auto-continued run
+  gets a fresh figure while Retry stays reproducible.
+- **Two-octave coverage** doubles the path; the auto-derived meter adjusts
+  (e.g. updown two-octave = 13 notes → 4/4 with a rest fill).
+- **Giuliani**: `pimami` figure corrected to 6 voices; new figures
+  `pimai`, `pmia`, `pmim`; new **alternating bass** option (even bars voice
+  the fifth as the bass — the original studies' thumb-jump feel).
+- **Renderer**: `minWidthPerBar` for sixteenths raised 420 → 500 px
+  (mobile clipping).
+
+**Verification:** 193 unit tests green (`npx vitest run`), `tsc --noEmit`
+clean, production build + deploy to `smt-beta`. A pattern×degree×coverage
+sweep test guarantees every generated duration stays in the renderable set.

src/App.css

@@ -1040,9 +1040,9 @@ button {
 }
 
 .phrase-setup {
-    margin-top: 16px;
+    margin-bottom: 16px;
-    border-top: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 12%, transparent);
+    border-bottom: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 12%, transparent);
-    padding-top: 12px;
+    padding-bottom: 12px;
 }
 
 .phrase-setup summary {
@@ -1126,3 +1126,83 @@ button {
     justify-content: safe center;
     justify-content: center;
 }
+
+/* ---- Assist Mode ------------------------------------------------------- */
+/* Primitive practice companion: big detected note + live staff + optional
+   fretboard with alternative positions. No trainer actions. */
+
+.assist-card {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: var(--spacing-md);
+  padding: var(--spacing-lg);
+}
+
+.assist-note-area {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: center;
+  min-height: 110px;
+}
+
+.assist-note-name {
+  font-size: 5rem;
+  font-weight: 800;
+  line-height: 1;
+  color: var(--color-text-main);
+  font-variant-emoji: text;
+}
+
+.assist-note-name.placeholder {
+  color: var(--color-text-muted);
+  opacity: 0.5;
+}
+
+.assist-fretboard {
+  width: 100%;
+  display: flex;
+  justify-content: center;
+  overflow-x: auto;
+}
+
+.assist-hint {
+  font-size: 12px;
+  color: var(--color-text-muted);
+  margin: 0;
+  text-align: center;
+}
+
+/* ---- Transport step group (preview stepping) ---------------------------- */
+.transport-step-group {
+  display: flex;
+  gap: 6px;
+}
+
+.step-button {
+  padding: 0.4rem 0.55rem;
+}
+
+/* ---- Display toggles (virtual instrument / hint show-hide) -------------- */
+/* Separate row of pure show/hide switches, styled like the tuner and
+   metronome switches — visually distinct from transport actions. */
+.display-toggles {
+  display: flex;
+  justify-content: center;
+  gap: var(--spacing-lg);
+  margin-top: 10px;
+}
+
+.display-toggle {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 8px;
+}
+
+.display-toggle-label {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 5px;
+  font-size: 12px;
+  color: var(--color-text-muted);
+}

src/App.tsx

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import { SingleNoteTrainer, type SingleNoteHandle } from './components/SingleNot
 import { LiveNoteStaff } from './components/LiveNoteStaff';
 import { resolveClefTranspose } from './music/InstrumentConfigs';
 import { PhraseTrainer, type PhraseHandle } from './components/PhraseTrainer';
+import { AssistMode } from './components/AssistMode';
 import { usePitchDetector } from './hooks/usePitchDetector';
 import { useSettings } from './context/useSettings';
 import { audioEngine } from './audio/AudioEngine';
@@ -26,6 +27,7 @@ function App() {
   const setSettings = updateSettings;
 
   const isPhrase = settings.gameMode === 'phrase';
+  const isAssist = settings.gameMode === 'assist';
 
   const currentTuning = TUNINGS[settings.tuningId];
   const currentInstrumentDef = INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS[settings.instrument];
@@ -121,24 +123,28 @@ function App() {
   useEffect(() => {
     const handleKeyDown = (e: KeyboardEvent) => {
       const target = e.target as HTMLElement | null;
-      const onInteractive =
+      // Text inputs / selects keep their native keys — shortcuts must not
+      // fire while typing. FOCUSED BUTTONS however stay eligible: after a
+      // click the button keeps focus, and gating there made N/R/P/L
+      // silently dead until the user clicked elsewhere. Space/Enter on a
+      // focused button activate it natively (guarded below), so no
+      // double-fire.
+      const onTextEntry =
         target instanceof HTMLInputElement ||
         target instanceof HTMLTextAreaElement ||
-        target instanceof HTMLButtonElement ||
         target instanceof HTMLSelectElement ||
         !!target?.isContentEditable;
+      if (onTextEntry) return;
 
       if (e.code === 'Escape') {
         if (showHelp) setShowHelp(false);
         else if (settings.zenMode) setSettings(s => ({ ...s, zenMode: false }));
         return;
       }
-      // Focused buttons handle their own keys (native activation);
+      // Prevent default for space to stop scrolling (Space on a focused
-      // global shortcuts must not double-fire or block them.
+      // button activates it natively — preventDefault only applies when the
-      if (onInteractive) return;
+      // focus is on the body, where the shortcut below takes over).
-
+      if (e.code === 'Space' && !(target instanceof HTMLButtonElement)) {
-      // Prevent default for space to stop scrolling
-      if (e.code === 'Space') {
         e.preventDefault();
       }
 
@@ -159,6 +165,12 @@ function App() {
           case 'n':
             phraseRef.current?.next();
             break;
+          case 'arrowleft':
+            phraseRef.current?.previewStep(-1);
+            break;
+          case 'arrowright':
+            phraseRef.current?.previewStep(1);
+            break;
           case 's':
             phraseRef.current?.skip();
             break;
@@ -169,12 +181,33 @@ function App() {
             setListening(l => !l);
             break;
         }
-        if (e.code === 'Space' || e.code === 'Enter') {
+        // Space/Enter on a focused button natively activate that button
+        // (e.g. Start); only treat them as pause-toggle when NOT on a button.
+        if ((e.code === 'Space' || e.code === 'Enter') && !(e.target instanceof HTMLButtonElement)) {
           phraseRef.current?.pauseToggle();
         }
         return;
       }
 
+      if (isAssist) {
+        // Assist mode: only display shortcuts — no trainer actions.
+        switch (e.key.toLowerCase()) {
+          case 'h':
+            setSettings(s => ({ ...s, showHint: !s.showHint }));
+            break;
+          case 'z':
+            setSettings(s => ({ ...s, zenMode: !s.zenMode }));
+            break;
+          case 'v':
+            setSettings(s => ({ ...s, showFretboard: !s.showFretboard }));
+            break;
+          case 'l':
+            setListening(l => !l);
+            break;
+        }
+        return;
+      }
+
       switch (e.key.toLowerCase()) {
         case 'h':
           setSettings(s => ({ ...s, showHint: !s.showHint }));
@@ -200,23 +233,23 @@ function App() {
           break;
       }
 
-      if (e.code === 'Space' || e.code === 'Enter') {
+      if ((e.code === 'Space' || e.code === 'Enter') && !(e.target instanceof HTMLButtonElement)) {
         singleNoteRef.current?.skipNote();
       }
     };
 
     window.addEventListener('keydown', handleKeyDown);
     return () => window.removeEventListener('keydown', handleKeyDown);
-  }, [settings, showHelp, isPhrase, setSettings]);
+  }, [settings, showHelp, isPhrase, isAssist, setSettings]);
 
-  // 'm' cycles all three modes from phrase mode too.
+  // 'm' cycles back to sight reading from phrase/assist modes.
   useEffect(() => {
     const handler = (e: KeyboardEvent) => {
       if (e.key.toLowerCase() !== 'm') return;
       const target = e.target as HTMLElement | null;
       if (target instanceof HTMLInputElement || target instanceof HTMLTextAreaElement ||
         target instanceof HTMLButtonElement || target instanceof HTMLSelectElement || target?.isContentEditable) return;
-      if (settings.gameMode === 'phrase') {
+      if (settings.gameMode === 'phrase' || settings.gameMode === 'assist') {
         setSettings(s => ({ ...s, gameMode: 'sight_reading' }));
       }
     };
@@ -263,6 +296,13 @@ function App() {
               >
                 Phrases
               </button>
+              <button
+                className={`toggle-option ${settings.gameMode === 'assist' ? 'active' : ''}`}
+                onClick={() => setSettings(s => ({ ...s, gameMode: 'assist' }))}
+                title="Practice companion: shows played notes while you work from paper"
+              >
+                Assist
+              </button>
             </div>
 
             <button
@@ -305,6 +345,11 @@ function App() {
             micError={error}
             windowWidth={windowWidth}
           />
+        ) : isAssist ? (
+          <AssistMode
+            pitchData={displayedPitch}
+            windowWidth={windowWidth}
+          />
         ) : (
           <SingleNoteTrainer
             ref={singleNoteRef}
@@ -391,6 +436,7 @@ function App() {
                 <>
                   <div className="help-item"><span>Start / Pause / Resume</span><span className="shortcut-key">Space</span></div>
                   <div className="help-item"><span>Preview phrase (Play / Stop)</span><span className="shortcut-key">P</span></div>
+                  <div className="help-item"><span>While previewing: step note forward / back</span><span className="shortcut-key">→ / ←</span></div>
                   <div className="help-item"><span>Retry phrase</span><span className="shortcut-key">R</span></div>
                   <div className="help-item"><span>New melody / next bars</span><span className="shortcut-key">N</span></div>
                   <div className="help-item"><span>Skip note (at your pace)</span><span className="shortcut-key">S</span></div>

src/components/AssistMode.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+/**
+ * Assist Mode — primitive practice companion for working from paper.
+ *
+ * No trainer, no scoring: shows the currently played (mic-detected) note
+ * large, optionally with a live fretboard of alternative positions for that
+ * note. Tuner and Metronome come from the shared footer tools (Controls),
+ * so they stay identical across all modes.
+ */
+import { INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS, resolveClefTranspose } from '../music/InstrumentConfigs';
+import { useMemo } from 'react';
+import { useSettings } from '../context/useSettings';
+import { TUNINGS, getFretboardPositions } from '../music/Tunings';
+import { isFrettedInstrument } from '../music/playableRange';
+import { getPracticeFilter } from '../types/SettingsTypes';
+import { Fretboard } from './Fretboard';
+import { LiveNoteStaff } from './LiveNoteStaff';
+import type { PitchData } from '../hooks/usePitchDetector';
+
+interface AssistModeProps {
+    pitchData: PitchData | null;
+    /** True while the app's own audio is audible (mic gate) — caller decides. */
+    windowWidth: number;
+}
+
+export const AssistMode: React.FC<AssistModeProps> = ({ pitchData, windowWidth }) => {
+    const { settings } = useSettings();
+    const currentTuning = TUNINGS[settings.tuningId];
+    const currentInstrumentDef = INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS[settings.instrument];
+
+    const fretted = isFrettedInstrument(settings.instrument) && !!currentTuning;
+    const pf = getPracticeFilter(settings);
+
+    // Alternative positions for the detected note (respect fret window filter)
+    const positions = useMemo(() => {
+        if (!fretted || !currentTuning || !pitchData) return [];
+        const all = getFretboardPositions(pitchData.midi, currentTuning, 20);
+        if (!pf.fretWindowEnabled) return all;
+        return all.filter(p => p.fret >= Math.max(0, pf.fretMin) && p.fret <= Math.min(24, pf.fretMax));
+    }, [fretted, currentTuning, pitchData, pf.fretWindowEnabled, pf.fretMin, pf.fretMax]);
+
+    const { clef, transpose } = useMemo(() =>
+        resolveClefTranspose(currentInstrumentDef, settings.difficulty),
+    [currentInstrumentDef, settings.difficulty]);
+
+    const staffWidth = Math.min(windowWidth - 40, 860);
+
+    return (
+        <div className="card sheet-music-card assist-card">
+            <div className="assist-note-area">
+                {pitchData ? (
+                    <span className="assist-note-name">{pitchData.note}</span>
+                ) : (
+                    <span className="assist-note-name placeholder">—</span>
+                )}
+            </div>
+
+            <div className="sheet-music-container">
+                <LiveNoteStaff
+                    midi={pitchData ? pitchData.midi : null}
+                    transpose={transpose}
+                    keySignature={settings.keySignature}
+                    clef={clef === 'grand' ? undefined : clef}
+                    width={Math.min(240, staffWidth)}
+                    theme={settings.theme}
+                />
+            </div>
+
+            {fretted && currentTuning && (
+                <div className="assist-fretboard">
+                    <Fretboard
+                        tuning={currentTuning}
+                        positions={positions}
+                        maxFrets={15}
+                        showHints={false}
+                        interactive={false}
+                        displayTranspose={transpose}
+                    />
+                </div>
+            )}
+
+            {!pitchData && (
+                <p className="assist-hint">
+                    Play a note — it shows here. Mic is{' '}
+                    {settings.showTuningMeter ? 'on' : 'controlled by the mic button below'}.
+                </p>
+            )}
+        </div>
+    );
+};

src/components/Controls.tsx

@@ -1,14 +1,11 @@
 import React, { useEffect, useState } from 'react';
-import { Guitar, Music, Gauge } from 'lucide-react';
+import { Gauge, SlidersHorizontal } from 'lucide-react';
-import { TUNINGS, INSTRUMENT_TUNINGS } from '../music/Tunings';
-import { INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS } from '../music/InstrumentConfigs';
-
 import { TuningMeter } from './TuningMeter';
 import { TargetNoteControls } from './TargetNoteControls';
 import { MetronomeWidget } from './MetronomeWidget';
 import { phraseRunBus } from '../hooks/phraseRunBus';
 import { useSettings } from '../context/useSettings';
-import { type Difficulty, type RhythmSettings } from '../types/SettingsTypes';
+import { getPracticeFilter, type RhythmSettings } from '../types/SettingsTypes';
 
 
 
@@ -18,35 +15,13 @@ interface ControlsProps {
 
 export const Controls: React.FC<ControlsProps> = ({ currentPitch }) => {
     const { settings, updateSettings } = useSettings();
-    // Alias to minimize refactor, or just use updateSettings. 
     const onUpdateSettings = updateSettings;
     // Phrase run gate: the metronome only ticks while the phrase trainer is
     // counting in / playing (armed by the user toggle, fired by the run).
     const [phraseRunActive, setPhraseRunActive] = useState(false);
     useEffect(() => phraseRunBus.subscribe(setPhraseRunActive), []);
-    const handleTuningChange = (e: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLSelectElement>) => {
+    // Note-filter panel: hidden by default (minimal UI), toggled here.
-        onUpdateSettings({ ...settings, tuningId: e.target.value });
+    const [filtersOpen, setFiltersOpen] = useState(false);
-    };
-
-    const handleInstrumentChange = (e: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLSelectElement>) => {
-        const newInstrumentId = e.target.value;
-        const instDef = INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS[newInstrumentId];
-
-        const defaultRange = instDef.ranges[0].id;
-
-        // Reset tuning if applicable, or just keep as is (it won't be shown/used)
-        let newTuningId = settings.tuningId;
-        if (instDef.showTuning && INSTRUMENT_TUNINGS[newInstrumentId as 'guitar' | 'bass']) {
-            newTuningId = INSTRUMENT_TUNINGS[newInstrumentId as 'guitar' | 'bass'][0];
-        }
-
-        onUpdateSettings({
-            ...settings,
-            instrument: newInstrumentId,
-            difficulty: defaultRange as Difficulty,
-            tuningId: newTuningId
-        });
-    };
 
     const updateRhythm = (updates: Partial<RhythmSettings>) => {
         onUpdateSettings({
@@ -55,98 +30,43 @@ export const Controls: React.FC<ControlsProps> = ({ currentPitch }) => {
         });
     };
 
-    // Cast instrument to specific key if needed, or use generic record access
-    const availableTunings = INSTRUMENT_TUNINGS[settings.instrument as 'guitar' | 'bass'] || [];
-    const currentInstrumentDef = INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS[settings.instrument];
-
-
-
-    // Phrase Mode brings its own key/tempo machinery; the single-note
-    // key-signature select and metronome tool would be competing controls.
     const inPhraseMode = settings.gameMode === 'phrase';
 
+    const pf = getPracticeFilter(settings);
+    const activeFilterCount =
+        (pf.keyEnabled ? 1 : 0) +
+        (pf.strings.length > 0 ? 1 : 0) +
+        (pf.fretWindowEnabled ? 1 : 0);
+
+    // Phrase Mode hosts the filter inside its Setup panel (above the
+    // notation) — no footer filter button there.
+    const showFilterButton = !inPhraseMode;
+    const shouldShowFilters = showFilterButton && filtersOpen;
+
     return (
         <div className="controls-container">
-            {/* Top Section: Settings Grid (2 Columns) */}
+            {/* Note filter: collapsed behind a button — visible only when needed */}
-            <div className="settings-grid">
+            {showFilterButton && (
-                {/* Row 1, Col 1 */}
+            <div style={{ display: 'flex', justifyContent: 'center', marginBottom: '8px' }}>
-                <div className="control-group">
+                <button
-                    <label className="control-label">
+                    className={`hint-button ${filtersOpen ? 'active' : ''}`}
-                        <Music size={18} />
+                    onClick={() => setFiltersOpen(o => !o)}
-                        <span>Instrument</span>
+                    title="Limit the notes used for exercises (key, strings, fret window)"
-                    </label>
-                    <select
-                        value={settings.instrument}
-                        onChange={handleInstrumentChange}
-                        className="control-select"
                 >
-                        {Object.values(INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS).map(def => (
+                    <SlidersHorizontal size={16} />
-                            <option key={def.id} value={def.id}>{def.displayName}</option>
+                    Filter
-                        ))}
+                    {activeFilterCount > 0 && (
-                    </select>
+                        <span style={{
-                </div>
+                            display: 'inline-block', minWidth: '18px', padding: '1px 5px',
-
+                            marginLeft: '4px', borderRadius: '9px', fontSize: '11px',
-                {/* Row 1, Col 2 (Conditional) */}
+                            background: 'var(--color-primary)', color: 'var(--color-surface)',
-                {currentInstrumentDef.showTuning ? (
+                            fontWeight: 600, textAlign: 'center'
-                    <div className="control-group">
+                        }}>{activeFilterCount}</span>
-                        <label className="control-label">
+                    )}
-                            <Guitar size={18} />
+                </button>
-                            <span>Tuning</span>
-                        </label>
-                        <select
-                            value={settings.tuningId}
-                            onChange={handleTuningChange}
-                            className="control-select"
-                        >
-                            {availableTunings.map(id => (
-                                <option key={id} value={id}>{TUNINGS[id].name}</option>
-                            ))}
-                        </select>
-                    </div>
-                ) : <div />} {/* Spacer to maintain grid flow if needed, or omit to let items flow. User asked for specific rows. 
-                             If I omit, Note Set goes here. Let's omit for "Dense" feel, or keep empty div for strict rows? 
-                             The request "Top row: instrument and tuning" implies if tuning is missing, maybe just 1 item? 
-                             I'll output an empty div if I want to FORCE strict placement, but generally flow is better. 
-                             However, "Second row: note set..." suggests structure. 
-                             I will use an empty div if tuning is hidden to push Note Set to next row? 
-                             Actually, grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr. 
-                             If Tuning is hidden, Note Set becomes Item 2. 
-                             I'll forgo complexity and just render what's available. */}
-
-                {/* Row 2, Col 2 */}
-                {!inPhraseMode && (
-                <div className="control-group">
-                    <label className="control-label">
-                        <span>Key signature</span>
-                    </label>
-                    <select
-                        value={settings.keySignature}
-                        onChange={(e) => onUpdateSettings({ ...settings, keySignature: e.target.value })}
-                        className="control-select"
-                    >
-                        <optgroup label="Major Keys">
-                            <option value="C">C Major</option>
-                            <option value="G">G Major</option>
-                            <option value="D">D Major</option>
-                            <option value="A">A Major</option>
-                            <option value="E">E Major</option>
-                            <option value="F">F Major</option>
-                            <option value="Bb">Bb Major</option>
-                            <option value="Eb">Eb Major</option>
-                        </optgroup>
-                        <optgroup label="Minor Keys">
-                            <option value="Am">A Minor</option>
-                            <option value="Em">E Minor</option>
-                            <option value="Dm">D Minor</option>
-                        </optgroup>
-                    </select>
             </div>
             )}
-
+            {shouldShowFilters && <TargetNoteControls />}
-            </div>
-
-            {/* Target-note filter: unified controls, all modes */}
-            <TargetNoteControls />
 
             {/* Bottom Section: Tools Grid (2 Columns now) */}
             <div className="tools-grid" style={inPhraseMode ? { gridTemplateColumns: '1fr' } : undefined}>

src/components/PhraseSheetMusic.tsx

@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ export const PhraseSheetMusic: React.FC<PhraseSheetMusicProps> = ({
     // horizontal room than quarters) so narrow screens wrap into more rows
     // instead of clipping notes.
     const densestTick = Math.min(...events.filter(e => e.pitch).map(e => e.durationTicks), 1920);
-    const minWidthPerBar = densestTick <= 120 ? 420 : densestTick <= 240 ? 330 : 240;
+    const minWidthPerBar = densestTick <= 120 ? 500 : densestTick <= 240 ? 330 : 240;
     const barsPerRow = Math.max(1, Math.min(4, Math.floor((width - 40) / minWidthPerBar)));
     const rowCount = Math.max(1, Math.ceil(totalBars / barsPerRow));
     const isGrand = clef === 'grand';

src/components/PhraseTrainer.tsx

@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ import { forwardRef, useCallback, useEffect, useImperativeHandle, useMemo, useRe
 import { useSettings } from '../context/useSettings';
 import { useAudioPlayer } from '../hooks/useAudioPlayer';
 import { usePhraseTrainer, type PhraseTrainerApi, type PhrasePhase } from '../hooks/usePhraseTrainer';
-import { getPhraseSettings, getPracticeFilter, type PhraseSettings, type PracticeFilter } from '../types/SettingsTypes';
+import { getPhraseSettings, getPracticeFilter, type PhraseSettings } from '../types/SettingsTypes';
 import { rawFrameCount } from '../hooks/rawFrameBus';
 import { audioEngine } from '../audio/AudioEngine';
 import { computePlayableNotes, isFrettedInstrument, positionsWithinWindow } from '../music/playableRange';
@@ -28,17 +28,19 @@ import { getNoteDetails } from '../music/NoteUtils';
 import { EXERCISES, loadExercise } from '../exercises/library';
 import { parseAbc } from '../exercises/abcParser';
 import { PhraseSheetMusic } from './PhraseSheetMusic';
+import { TargetNoteControls } from './TargetNoteControls';
 import { Fretboard } from './Fretboard';
 import { PianoKeys } from './PianoKeys';
 import { TUNINGS, getFretboardPositions } from '../music/Tunings';
 import { INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS, resolveClefTranspose } from '../music/InstrumentConfigs';
 const AUTO_CONTINUE_DELAY_MS = 1500;
 
-import { Play, Pause, RotateCcw, SkipForward, Volume2, Square, ChevronDown, Music2, Upload, HelpCircle, Guitar } from 'lucide-react';
+import { Play, Pause, RotateCcw, SkipForward, SkipBack, Volume2, ChevronDown, Music2, Upload, HelpCircle, Guitar } from 'lucide-react';
 
 export interface PhraseHandle {
     pauseToggle: () => void;
     previewToggle: () => void;
+    previewStep: (dir: 1 | -1) => void;
     retry: () => void;
     skip: () => void;
     next: () => void;
@@ -71,14 +73,9 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
         const setSettings = updateSettings;
         const { playNote } = useAudioPlayer();
         const phrase = getPhraseSettings(settings);
-        // Unified target-note controls: Phrase Mode reads/writes the shared
+        // Unified target-note controls: Phrase Mode reads the shared practice
-        // practice filter so all modes expose identical key/fret-window state.
+        // filter (single source of truth across all modes).
         const pf = getPracticeFilter(settings);
-        phrase.keyTonic = pf.keyTonic;
-        phrase.keyMode = pf.keyMode;
-        phrase.fretWindowEnabled = pf.fretWindowEnabled;
-        phrase.fretMin = pf.fretMin;
-        phrase.fretMax = pf.fretMax;
         // Unified metronome: phrase tempo reads from the shared rhythm BPM
         // (single source of truth across modes; the phrase-local BPM control
         // was replaced by the common metronome widget in Controls).
@@ -96,18 +93,7 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
             ? settings.rhythm.active && settings.rhythm.sound
             : settings.rhythm.active && settings.rhythm.sound && !settings.rhythm.syncToExercise;
         const setPhrase = useCallback((updates: Partial<PhraseSettings>) => {
-            updateSettings(s => {
+            updateSettings(s => ({ ...s, phrase: { ...getPhraseSettings(s), ...updates } }));
-                const next = { ...s, phrase: { ...getPhraseSettings(s), ...updates } };
-                // Mirror shared filter fields into the unified practice filter.
-                const shared: Partial<PracticeFilter> = {};
-                if ('keyTonic' in updates) shared.keyTonic = updates.keyTonic;
-                if ('keyMode' in updates) shared.keyMode = updates.keyMode;
-                if ('fretWindowEnabled' in updates) shared.fretWindowEnabled = updates.fretWindowEnabled;
-                if ('fretMin' in updates) shared.fretMin = updates.fretMin;
-                if ('fretMax' in updates) shared.fretMax = updates.fretMax;
-                if (Object.keys(shared).length > 0) next.practice = { ...getPracticeFilter(s), ...shared };
-                return next;
-            });
         }, [updateSettings]);
         const currentInstrumentDef = INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS[settings.instrument];
         const currentTuning = TUNINGS[settings.tuningId];
@@ -140,7 +126,6 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                 customMaxFret: settings.customMaxFret,
             });
         }, [pf.strings, pf.fretWindowEnabled, pf.fretMin, pf.fretMax, fretted, currentTuning,
-            phrase.fretWindowEnabled, phrase.fretMin, phrase.fretMax,
             settings.instrument, settings.difficulty, settings.tuningId, settings.customMinFret, settings.customMaxFret]);
 
         // ---- Imported score (session-only) --------------------------------------
@@ -173,8 +158,8 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
         const baseScore: Result<Score> | null = useMemo(() => {
             if (phrase.material === 'melody') {
                 const result = generateMelody({
-                    keyTonic: phrase.keyTonic,
+                    keyTonic: pf.keyTonic,
-                    keyMode: (isMode(phrase.keyMode) ? phrase.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
+                    keyMode: (isMode(pf.keyMode) ? pf.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
                     bars: phrase.bars,
                     meter: { numerator: phrase.meterNumerator, denominator: 4 },
                     rhythmLevel: phrase.rhythmLevel,
@@ -184,8 +169,8 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
             }
             if (phrase.material === 'scale') {
                 return generateScaleDrill({
-                    keyTonic: phrase.keyTonic,
+                    keyTonic: pf.keyTonic,
-                    keyMode: (isMode(phrase.keyMode) ? phrase.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
+                    keyMode: (isMode(pf.keyMode) ? pf.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
                     direction: phrase.scaleDirection,
                     coverage: phrase.scaleCoverage,
                     meter: { numerator: phrase.meterNumerator, denominator: 4 },
@@ -193,30 +178,31 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                 }, pool);
             }
             if (phrase.material === 'giuliani') {
+                // Meter is auto-derived inside the generator from the figure
+                // length (always eighths) — the user no longer picks a meter.
                 return generateGiulianiStudy({
-                    keyTonic: phrase.keyTonic,
+                    keyTonic: pf.keyTonic,
-                    keyMode: (isMode(phrase.keyMode) ? phrase.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
+                    keyMode: (isMode(pf.keyMode) ? pf.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
                     pattern: phrase.giulianiPattern,
-                    meter: { numerator: phrase.meterNumerator, denominator: 4 },
                     tuningId: settings.tuningId,
                     bars: phrase.giulianiBars,
                     chordSelection: phrase.arpeggioChordSelection as string[],
                     seed: melodySeed,
                     allowedStrings: pf.strings,
+                    alternateBass: phrase.giulianiAlternateBass ?? false,
                 }, pool);
             }
             if (phrase.material === 'arpeggio') {
                 return generateArpeggio({
-                    keyTonic: phrase.keyTonic,
+                    keyTonic: pf.keyTonic,
-                    keyMode: (isMode(phrase.keyMode) ? phrase.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
+                    keyMode: (isMode(pf.keyMode) ? pf.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
                     degree: (phrase.arpeggioDegree as ArpeggioDegree) || 'I',
                     pattern: phrase.arpeggioPattern,
                     coverage: phrase.arpeggioCoverage,
-                    meter: { numerator: phrase.meterNumerator, denominator: 4 },
                     bars: phrase.arpeggioBars,
                     progression: phrase.arpeggioProgression,
                     chordSelection: phrase.arpeggioChordSelection as ArpeggioDegree[],
-                    rhythm: phrase.arpeggioRhythm,
+                    customPattern: phrase.customArpeggioPattern,
                     seed: melodySeed,
                 }, pool);
             }
@@ -230,12 +216,12 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                 return { ok: true, value: importedScore };
             }
             return null;
-        }, [phrase.material, phrase.keyTonic, phrase.keyMode, phrase.bars, phrase.meterNumerator,
+        }, [phrase.material, pf.keyTonic, pf.keyMode, phrase.bars, phrase.meterNumerator,
             phrase.rhythmLevel, phrase.scaleDirection, phrase.scaleCoverage, phrase.scaleRhythm, phrase.libraryId,
             phrase.arpeggioDegree, phrase.arpeggioPattern, phrase.arpeggioCoverage,
-            phrase.arpeggioBars, phrase.arpeggioProgression, phrase.arpeggioRhythm,
+            phrase.arpeggioBars, phrase.arpeggioProgression,
             phrase.arpeggioChordSelection, melodySeed,
-            phrase.giulianiPattern, phrase.giulianiBars,
+            phrase.giulianiPattern, phrase.giulianiBars, phrase.giulianiAlternateBass,
             melodySeed, pool, importedScore]);
 
         const fullScore: Result<Score> | null = useMemo(() => {
@@ -322,9 +308,7 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
         }, [scoreOk, fixedMaterial, pool, fullScore]);
 
         const nextAction = useCallback(() => {
-            if (phrase.material === 'melody' || (phrase.material === 'arpeggio' && phrase.arpeggioBars > 1)) {
+            if (fixedMaterial && scoreOk) {
-                setMelodySeed(s => (s + 1) % 999983);
-            } else if (fixedMaterial && scoreOk) {
                 const total = fullScore!.value.measures.length;
                 const nextStart = phrase.startBar + phrase.barCount;
                 if (nextStart > total) {
@@ -332,6 +316,12 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                 } else {
                     setPhrase({ startBar: nextStart });
                 }
+                return;
+            }
+            // Seeded material: roll a new variation (giuliani and single-chord
+            // arpeggios included — they take melodySeed too).
+            if (phrase.material === 'melody' || phrase.material === 'arpeggio' || phrase.material === 'giuliani') {
+                setMelodySeed(s => (s + 1) % 999983);
             }
         }, [phrase.material, phrase.startBar, phrase.barCount, fixedMaterial, scoreOk, fullScore, setPhrase]);
 
@@ -339,6 +329,7 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
         useImperativeHandle(ref, () => ({
             pauseToggle: () => trainer?.pauseToggle(),
             previewToggle: () => trainer?.previewToggle(),
+            previewStep: (dir) => trainer?.previewStep(dir),
             retry: () => trainer?.retry(),
             skip: () => trainer?.skip(),
             pause: () => trainer?.pause(),
@@ -348,17 +339,22 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
         // ---- Hints --------------------------------------------------------------
         const activeScore = trainer.activeScore;
         const events = scoreEvents(activeScore);
-        const currentMidi = trainer.currentIdx >= 0 && events[trainer.currentIdx]?.pitch
+        // While previewing, the hint instruments follow the preview cursor so
-            ? events[trainer.currentIdx]!.pitch!.midi
+        // the user can find notes on the fretboard while listening.
+        const displayIdx = trainer.phase === 'preview' || trainer.phase === 'previewPaused'
+            ? trainer.previewIdx
+            : trainer.currentIdx;
+        const currentMidi = displayIdx >= 0 && events[displayIdx]?.pitch
+            ? events[displayIdx]!.pitch!.midi
             : null;
 
         const hintPositions = useMemo(() => {
             if (!settings.showHint || !currentInstrumentDef.showTuning || !currentTuning || currentMidi === null) return [];
-            if (phrase.fretWindowEnabled) {
+            if (pf.fretWindowEnabled) {
-                return positionsWithinWindow(currentMidi, currentTuning, phrase.fretMin, phrase.fretMax);
+                return positionsWithinWindow(currentMidi, currentTuning, pf.fretMin, pf.fretMax);
             }
             return getFretboardPositions(currentMidi, currentTuning);
-        }, [settings.showHint, currentInstrumentDef, currentTuning, currentMidi, phrase.fretWindowEnabled, phrase.fretMin, phrase.fretMax]);
+        }, [settings.showHint, currentInstrumentDef, currentTuning, currentMidi, pf.fretWindowEnabled, pf.fretMin, pf.fretMax]);
 
         const handleVirtualPlay = useCallback((midi: number) => {
             if (!settings.virtualGuitarMute) {
@@ -379,7 +375,8 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
         const statusText = useMemo(() => {
             if (!scoreOk) return materialError ?? 'No material.';
             const p = trainer.phase;
-            if (p === 'preview') return 'Listen …';
+            if (p === 'preview') return 'Listen … (pause to step note by note)';
+            if (p === 'previewPaused') return 'Paused — step with ⏮ ⏭ or ← →, resume with P';
             if (p === 'countIn') return `Count-in: ${trainer.countInLeft}`;
             if (p === 'paused') return 'Paused';
             if (p === 'done') {
@@ -398,12 +395,13 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
             const p = trainer.phase;
             if (p === 'playing' || p === 'countIn') return 'Pause';
             if (p === 'paused') return 'Resume';
-            if (p === 'preview') return 'Stop preview';
+            if (p === 'preview') return 'Pause';
+            if (p === 'previewPaused') return 'Resume';
             return 'Start';
         }, [trainer.phase]);
 
         const startAction = useMemo(() => {
-            if (trainer.phase === 'preview') return trainer.previewToggle;
+            if (trainer.phase === 'preview' || trainer.phase === 'previewPaused') return trainer.previewToggle;
             return trainer.pauseToggle;
         }, [trainer]);
 
@@ -451,118 +449,8 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                     </span>
                 </div>
 
-                <div className="sheet-music-container">
+                {/* Setup panel — above the notation, holds material options
-                    {scoreOk ? (
+                    plus the shared note filter (key/strings/fret window) */}
-                        <PhraseSheetMusic
-                            score={trainer.activeScore}
-                            currentIdx={trainer.currentIdx}
-                            statuses={trainer.statuses}
-                            clef={activeClef}
-                            transpose={activeTranspose}
-                            width={staffWidth}
-                            theme={settings.theme}
-                        />
-                    ) : (
-                        <div className="phrase-error">{materialError}</div>
-                    )}
-                </div>
-
-                {trainer.error && <div className="error-message">{trainer.error}</div>}
-                {importError && <div className="error-message">{importError}</div>}
-                {rangeWarning && <div className="phrase-warning">{rangeWarning}</div>}
-
-                <div className="feedback-area">
-                    {trainer.phase === 'countIn' && (
-                        <span
-                            className="phrase-countin"
-                            style={{
-                                display: 'inline-block',
-                                minWidth: '20px',
-                                padding: '1px 7px',
-                                marginRight: '8px',
-                                borderRadius: '10px',
-                                fontSize: '11px',
-                                opacity: 0.75,
-                                background: 'color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 10%, transparent)',
-                            }}
-                            aria-label={`Count-in: ${trainer.countInLeft} beats left`}
-                        >{trainer.countInLeft}</span>
-                    )}
-                    <div className="instruction-text phrase-status">{statusText}</div>
-                </div>
-
-                {/* Transport — reuses the single-note button styles/behavior */}
-                <div className="action-row phrase-transport">
-                    <button className="skip-button" onClick={startAction} title="Start / Pause (Space)">
-                        {trainer.phase === 'playing' || trainer.phase === 'countIn' ? <Pause size={18} /> : <Play size={18} />}
-                        {startLabel}
-                    </button>
-                    {!settings.zenMode && (
-                        <>
-                            <button
-                                className="hint-button"
-                                onClick={trainer.previewToggle}
-                                title="Preview the phrase (P)"
-                            >
-                                {trainer.phase === 'preview' ? <Square size={18} /> : <Volume2 size={18} />}
-                                {trainer.phase === 'preview' ? 'Stop' : 'Preview'}
-                            </button>
-                            <button className="hint-button" onClick={trainer.retry} title="Retry from the start (R)">
-                                <RotateCcw size={18} />
-                                Retry
-                            </button>
-                            {(phrase.material === 'melody' || phrase.material === 'arpeggio' || fixedMaterial) && (
-                                <button className="hint-button" onClick={nextAction} title="New melody / next bars (N)">
-                                    <SkipForward size={18} />
-                                    {phrase.material === 'melody' ? 'New' : 'Next'}
-                                </button>
-                            )}
-                            {phrase.pace === 'step' && (
-                                <button className="hint-button" onClick={trainer.skip} title="Skip this note (S)">
-                                    <SkipForward size={18} />
-                                    Skip
-                                </button>
-                            )}
-                        </>
-                    )}
-                    {/* Same virtual-instrument / hint toggles as single-note mode */}
-                    {trainer.phase === 'done' && settings.zenMode && (
-                        <>
-                            <button className="hint-button" onClick={trainer.retry} title="Retry (R)">
-                                <RotateCcw size={18} />
-                                Retry
-                            </button>
-                            {(phrase.material === 'melody' || phrase.material === 'arpeggio' || fixedMaterial) && (
-                                <button className="hint-button" onClick={nextAction} title="New / Next (N)">
-                                    <SkipForward size={18} />
-                                    {phrase.material === 'melody' ? 'New' : 'Next'}
-                                </button>
-                            )}
-                        </>
-                    )}
-                    {!settings.zenMode && currentInstrumentDef.showTuning && (
-                        <button
-                            className={`hint-button ${settings.showFretboard ? 'active' : ''}`}
-                            onClick={() => setSettings(s => ({ ...s, showFretboard: !s.showFretboard }))}
-                            title={`Toggle Virtual ${currentInstrumentDef.displayName} (Keyboard Shortcut: V)`}
-                        >
-                            <Guitar size={18} />
-                            {currentInstrumentDef.id === 'piano' ? 'Piano' : 'Guitar'}
-                        </button>
-                    )}
-                    {!settings.zenMode && (
-                        <button
-                            className={`hint-button ${settings.showHint ? 'active' : ''}`}
-                            onClick={() => setSettings(s => ({ ...s, showHint: !s.showHint }))}
-                            title="Keyboard Shortcut: H"
-                        >
-                            <HelpCircle size={18} />
-                            {settings.showHint ? "Hide Hint" : "Show Hint"}
-                        </button>
-                    )}
-                </div>
-
-                {/* Setup panel */}
                 {!settings.zenMode && (
                     <details className="phrase-setup">
                         <summary><ChevronDown size={16} /> Setup</summary>
@@ -578,12 +466,6 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                                 </select>
                             </label>
 
-                            {(phrase.material === 'melody' || phrase.material === 'scale' || phrase.material === 'arpeggio') && (
-                                <span style={{ fontSize: '11px', opacity: 0.7, alignSelf: 'center' }}>
-                                    Key/mode: use the "Target key" controls below the sheet — shared across modes.
-                                </span>
-                            )}
-
                             {phrase.material === 'melody' && (
                                 <>
                                     <label>Bars
@@ -651,9 +533,25 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                                                 <option value="121321">1-2-1-3-2-1</option>
                                                 <option value="15453">1-5-4-5-3-5</option>
                                                 <option value="132532">1-3-2-5-3-2</option>
+                                                <option value="random">Random</option>
+                                                <option value="custom">Custom…</option>
                                             </optgroup>
                                         </select>
                                     </label>
+                                    {phrase.arpeggioPattern === 'custom' && (
+                                        <label>Custom pattern
+                                            <input
+                                                type="text"
+                                                value={phrase.customArpeggioPattern || ''}
+                                                onChange={e => setPhrase({ customArpeggioPattern: e.target.value.replace(/[^1-5]/g, '') })}
+                                                placeholder="e.g. 1321"
+                                                style={{ width: '90px' }}
+                                            />
+                                            <span style={{ fontSize: '11px', opacity: 0.7, display: 'block' }}>
+                                                Digits: 1=root, 2=third, 3=fifth, 4=octave, 5=fifth-above-octave
+                                            </span>
+                                        </label>
+                                    )}
                                     <label>Coverage
                                         <select value={phrase.arpeggioCoverage} onChange={e => setPhrase({ arpeggioCoverage: e.target.value as PhraseSettings['arpeggioCoverage'] })}>
                                             <option value="one-octave">One octave</option>
@@ -700,19 +598,6 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                                             })}
                                         </div>
                                     </div>
-                                    <label>Rhythm
-                                        <select value={phrase.arpeggioRhythm} onChange={e => setPhrase({ arpeggioRhythm: e.target.value as PhraseSettings['arpeggioRhythm'] })}>
-                                            <option value="quarters">Quarter notes</option>
-                                            <option value="eighths">Eighth notes</option>
-                                        </select>
-                                    </label>
-                                    <label>Meter
-                                        <select value={phrase.meterNumerator} onChange={e => setPhrase({ meterNumerator: Math.max(3, Math.min(6, Number(e.target.value))) as 3 | 4 | 6 })}>
-                                            <option value={4}>4/4</option>
-                                            <option value={3}>3/4</option>
-                                            <option value={6}>6/8</option>
-                                        </select>
-                                    </label>
                                 </>
                             )}
 
@@ -730,15 +615,16 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                                             {[1, 2, 4, 6, 8].map(b => <option key={b} value={b}>{b} bars</option>)}
                                         </select>
                                     </label>
-                                    <label>Meter
+                                    <label style={{ display: 'flex', flexDirection: 'row', alignItems: 'center', gap: '6px' }}>
-                                        <select value={phrase.meterNumerator} onChange={e => setPhrase({ meterNumerator: Math.max(3, Math.min(6, Number(e.target.value))) as 3 | 4 | 6 })}>
+                                        <input
-                                            <option value={4}>4/4</option>
+                                            type="checkbox"
-                                            <option value={3}>3/4</option>
+                                            checked={phrase.giulianiAlternateBass ?? false}
-                                            <option value={6}>6/8</option>
+                                            onChange={e => setPhrase({ giulianiAlternateBass: e.target.checked })}
-                                        </select>
+                                        />
+                                        Alternating bass (fifth on even bars)
                                     </label>
                                     <span style={{ fontSize: '11px', opacity: 0.7, alignSelf: 'center' }}>
-                                        Chords: from the arpeggio chord pool; voicing enforced (bass + upper strings).
+                                        Meter is derived from the pattern; chords come from the arpeggio chord pool; voicing enforced (bass + upper strings).
                                     </span>
                                 </>
                             )}
@@ -794,12 +680,6 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                                 </label>
                             )}
 
-                            {fretted && (
-                                <span style={{ fontSize: '11px', opacity: 0.7, alignSelf: 'center' }}>
-                                    Fret window: use the "Fret window" controls below the sheet — shared across modes.
-                                </span>
-                            )}
-
                             {/* Pace lives in the metronome widget now:
                                 'Sync to exercise' checked = tempo pace,
                                 unchecked = at-your-pace (step). */}
@@ -811,11 +691,6 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                                 />
                                 Virtual input only
                             </label>
-                            {phrase.pace === 'tempo' && (
-                                <span style={{ fontSize: '11px', opacity: 0.7, alignSelf: 'center' }}>
-                                    BPM + click: on the metronome widget below.
-                                </span>
-                            )}
                             <label className="phrase-check">
                                 <input
                                     type="checkbox"
@@ -834,15 +709,168 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                             </label>
                         </div>
                         {phrase.pace === 'tempo' && (
-                            <p className="phrase-note">The run clicks a full count-in bar, then one click per beat. The metronome pendulum mirrors these beats — set the tempo on the metronome tool.</p>
+                            <p className="phrase-note">Tempo and click sound live on the metronome tool (Sync checked = the run sets the pace; unchecked = play at your own pace with a free metronome).</p>
                         )}
                         <p className="phrase-note">
                             Matching checks pitch, not fingering — several fretboard positions produce the same pitch.
                             For repeated identical notes, briefly release between notes so each attack is detected.
                         </p>
+                        <TargetNoteControls />
                     </details>
                 )}
 
+                <div className="sheet-music-container">
+                    {scoreOk ? (
+                        <PhraseSheetMusic
+                            score={trainer.activeScore}
+                            currentIdx={trainer.phase === 'preview' || trainer.phase === 'previewPaused' ? trainer.previewIdx : trainer.currentIdx}
+                            statuses={trainer.statuses}
+                            clef={activeClef}
+                            transpose={activeTranspose}
+                            width={staffWidth}
+                            theme={settings.theme}
+                        />
+                    ) : (
+                        <div className="phrase-error">{materialError}</div>
+                    )}
+                </div>
+
+                {trainer.error && <div className="error-message">{trainer.error}</div>}
+                {importError && <div className="error-message">{importError}</div>}
+                {rangeWarning && <div className="phrase-warning">{rangeWarning}</div>}
+
+                <div className="feedback-area">
+                    {trainer.phase === 'countIn' && (
+                        <span
+                            className="phrase-countin"
+                            style={{
+                                display: 'inline-block',
+                                minWidth: '20px',
+                                padding: '1px 7px',
+                                marginRight: '8px',
+                                borderRadius: '10px',
+                                fontSize: '11px',
+                                opacity: 0.75,
+                                background: 'color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 10%, transparent)',
+                            }}
+                            aria-label={`Count-in: ${trainer.countInLeft} beats left`}
+                        >{trainer.countInLeft}</span>
+                    )}
+                    <div className="instruction-text phrase-status">{statusText}</div>
+                </div>
+
+                {/* Transport — reuses the single-note button styles/behavior */}
+                <div className="action-row phrase-transport">
+                    <button className="skip-button" onClick={startAction} title="Start / Pause (Space)">
+                        {trainer.phase === 'playing' || trainer.phase === 'countIn' ? <Pause size={18} /> : <Play size={18} />}
+                        {startLabel}
+                    </button>
+                    {!settings.zenMode && (
+                        <>
+                            {trainer.phase === 'previewPaused' && (
+                                <div className="transport-step-group" role="group" aria-label="Preview stepping">
+                                    <button
+                                        className="hint-button step-button"
+                                        onClick={() => trainer.previewStep(-1)}
+                                        title="One event back (while previewing)"
+                                        aria-label="Step back"
+                                    >
+                                        <SkipBack size={16} />
+                                    </button>
+                                    <button
+                                        className="hint-button step-button"
+                                        onClick={() => trainer.previewStep(1)}
+                                        title="One event forward (while previewing)"
+                                        aria-label="Step forward"
+                                    >
+                                        <SkipForward size={16} />
+                                    </button>
+                                </div>
+                            )}
+                            <button
+                                className={`hint-button ${trainer.phase === 'preview' || trainer.phase === 'previewPaused' ? 'active' : ''}`}
+                                onClick={trainer.previewToggle}
+                                title="Preview: play / pause / resume (P)"
+                            >
+                                {trainer.phase === 'preview'
+                                    ? <><Pause size={18} /> Pause</>
+                                    : trainer.phase === 'previewPaused'
+                                        ? <><Play size={18} /> Resume</>
+                                        : <><Volume2 size={18} /> Preview</>}
+                            </button>
+                            <button className="hint-button" onClick={trainer.retry} title="Retry from the start (R)">
+                                <RotateCcw size={18} />
+                                Retry
+                            </button>
+                            {(phrase.material === 'melody' || phrase.material === 'arpeggio' || phrase.material === 'giuliani' || fixedMaterial) && (
+                                <button className="hint-button" onClick={nextAction} title="New melody / next bars (N)">
+                                    <SkipForward size={18} />
+                                    {(fixedMaterial || phrase.material === 'scale') ? 'Next' : 'New'}
+                                </button>
+                            )}
+                            {phrase.pace === 'step' && (
+                                <button className="hint-button" onClick={trainer.skip} title="Skip this note (S)">
+                                    <SkipForward size={18} />
+                                    Skip
+                                </button>
+                            )}
+                        </>
+                    )}
+                    {/* Same virtual-instrument / hint toggles as single-note mode */}
+                    {trainer.phase === 'done' && settings.zenMode && (
+                        <>
+                            <button className="hint-button" onClick={trainer.retry} title="Retry (R)">
+                                <RotateCcw size={18} />
+                                Retry
+                            </button>
+                            {(phrase.material === 'melody' || phrase.material === 'arpeggio' || phrase.material === 'giuliani' || fixedMaterial) && (
+                                <button className="hint-button" onClick={nextAction} title="New / Next (N)">
+                                    <SkipForward size={18} />
+                                    {(fixedMaterial || phrase.material === 'scale') ? 'Next' : 'New'}
+                                </button>
+                            )}
+                        </>
+                    )}
+                </div>
+
+                {/* Display toggles — separate row, switch style (like the
+                    tuner/metronome switches): pure show/hide, no run state. */}
+                {!settings.zenMode && (
+                    <div className="display-toggles">
+                        {currentInstrumentDef.showTuning && (
+                            <div className="display-toggle">
+                                <span className="display-toggle-label">
+                                    <Guitar size={15} />
+                                    {currentInstrumentDef.id === 'piano' ? 'Piano' : 'Guitar'}
+                                </span>
+                                <button
+                                    className={`switch-button ${settings.showFretboard ? 'active' : ''}`}
+                                    onClick={() => setSettings(s => ({ ...s, showFretboard: !s.showFretboard }))}
+                                    title={`Toggle Virtual ${currentInstrumentDef.displayName} (Keyboard Shortcut: V)`}
+                                    aria-label={`Show virtual ${currentInstrumentDef.displayName}`}
+                                >
+                                    <div className="switch-thumb" />
+                                </button>
+                            </div>
+                        )}
+                        <div className="display-toggle">
+                            <span className="display-toggle-label">
+                                <HelpCircle size={15} />
+                                Hint
+                            </span>
+                            <button
+                                className={`switch-button ${settings.showHint ? 'active' : ''}`}
+                                onClick={() => setSettings(s => ({ ...s, showHint: !s.showHint }))}
+                                title="Keyboard Shortcut: H"
+                                aria-label="Show hint"
+                            >
+                                <div className="switch-thumb" />
+                            </button>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                )}
+
+
                 {/* Hint instruments */}
                 {(settings.showHint || settings.showFretboard) && currentInstrumentDef.showTuning && (
                     <div className="hint-card">
@@ -873,7 +901,7 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                                     onPlayNote={handleVirtualPlay}
                                     onHover={setHoveredMidi}
                                     showHints={settings.showHint}
-                                    maxFrets={Math.max(15, phrase.fretWindowEnabled ? phrase.fretMax + 1 : 0)}
+                                    maxFrets={Math.max(15, pf.fretWindowEnabled ? pf.fretMax + 1 : 0)}
                                 />
                             )
                         )}

src/components/SettingsModal.tsx

@@ -1,8 +1,32 @@
 import React, { useState } from 'react';
-import { X, Volume2, VolumeX, ChevronDown, ChevronUp, Mic, MicOff, Sun, Moon, Monitor, Clock } from 'lucide-react';
+import { X, Volume2, VolumeX, ChevronDown, ChevronUp, Mic, MicOff, Sun, Moon, Monitor, Clock, Guitar } from 'lucide-react';
 import type { AppSettings } from '../types/SettingsTypes';
 import { MIC_SENSITIVITY_DB_RANGE, MIC_DEFAULT_SENSITIVITY } from '../AppConfig';
 import type { MicrophoneDebugInfo } from '../hooks/usePitchDetector';
+import { TUNINGS, INSTRUMENT_TUNINGS } from '../music/Tunings';
+import { INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS } from '../music/InstrumentConfigs';
+
+/** Collapsible settings section. First section open by default. */
+const Section: React.FC<{ title: string; defaultOpen?: boolean; children: React.ReactNode }> = ({ title, defaultOpen = false, children }) => {
+    const [open, setOpen] = useState(defaultOpen);
+    return (
+        <div style={{ borderBottom: '1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 10%, transparent)' }}>
+            <button
+                onClick={() => setOpen(o => !o)}
+                style={{
+                    width: '100%', background: 'transparent', border: 'none', color: 'inherit',
+                    display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'space-between',
+                    padding: '14px 0', cursor: 'pointer', font: 'inherit'
+                }}
+                aria-expanded={open}
+            >
+                <span style={{ fontSize: '15px', fontWeight: 600 }}>{title}</span>
+                {open ? <ChevronUp size={16} style={{ opacity: 0.6 }} /> : <ChevronDown size={16} style={{ opacity: 0.6 }} />}
+            </button>
+            {open && <div style={{ paddingBottom: '20px' }}>{children}</div>}
+        </div>
+    );
+};
 
 interface SettingsModalProps {
     isOpen: boolean;
@@ -78,7 +102,52 @@ export const SettingsModal: React.FC<SettingsModalProps> = ({
         <div className="help-popup-overlay" onClick={onClose}>
             <div className="help-popup" onClick={e => e.stopPropagation()}>
                 <button className="help-close" onClick={onClose}><X size={20} /></button>
-                <h2 style={{ marginTop: 0, marginBottom: '24px' }}>Settings</h2>
+                <h2 style={{ marginTop: 0, marginBottom: '12px' }}>Settings</h2>
+
+                {/* Instrument & Tuning (rarely changed — lives here now) */}
+                <Section title="Instrument" defaultOpen>
+                    <div className="control-group" style={{ marginBottom: '16px' }}>
+                        <label className="control-label" style={{ marginBottom: '8px', fontSize: '16px' }}>
+                            <Guitar size={18} />
+                            <span>Instrument</span>
+                        </label>
+                        <select
+                            value={settings.instrument}
+                            onChange={(e) => {
+                                const id = e.target.value;
+                                const def = INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS[id];
+                                let tuningId = settings.tuningId;
+                                if (def.showTuning && INSTRUMENT_TUNINGS[id as 'guitar' | 'bass']) {
+                                    tuningId = INSTRUMENT_TUNINGS[id as 'guitar' | 'bass'][0];
+                                }
+                                onUpdateSettings({ ...settings, instrument: id, difficulty: def.ranges[0].id, tuningId });
+                            }}
+                            className="control-select"
+                        >
+                            {Object.values(INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS).map(def => (
+                                <option key={def.id} value={def.id}>{def.displayName}</option>
+                            ))}
+                        </select>
+                    </div>
+                    {INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS[settings.instrument]?.showTuning && INSTRUMENT_TUNINGS[settings.instrument as 'guitar' | 'bass'] && (
+                        <div className="control-group">
+                            <label className="control-label" style={{ marginBottom: '8px', fontSize: '16px' }}>
+                                <span>Tuning</span>
+                            </label>
+                            <select
+                                value={settings.tuningId}
+                                onChange={(e) => onUpdateSettings({ ...settings, tuningId: e.target.value })}
+                                className="control-select"
+                            >
+                                {INSTRUMENT_TUNINGS[settings.instrument as 'guitar' | 'bass'].map(id => (
+                                    <option key={id} value={id}>{TUNINGS[id]?.name ?? id}</option>
+                                ))}
+                            </select>
+                        </div>
+                    )}
+                </Section>
+
+                <Section title="Appearance">
 
                 {/* Theme Settings */}
                 <div className="control-group" style={{ marginBottom: '24px' }}>
@@ -119,8 +188,6 @@ export const SettingsModal: React.FC<SettingsModalProps> = ({
                     </div>
                 </div>
 
-                <hr style={{ borderColor: 'rgba(255,255,255,0.1)', margin: '24px 0' }} />
-
                 {/* Animation Settings */}
                 <div className="control-group" style={{ marginBottom: '24px' }}>
                     <div style={{ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'space-between', marginBottom: '8px' }}>
@@ -140,7 +207,9 @@ export const SettingsModal: React.FC<SettingsModalProps> = ({
                     </p>
                 </div>
 
-                <hr style={{ borderColor: 'rgba(255,255,255,0.1)', margin: '24px 0' }} />
+                </Section>
+
+                <Section title="Audio" defaultOpen>
 
                 <div className="control-group" style={{ marginBottom: '24px' }}>
                     <div style={{ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'space-between', marginBottom: '8px' }}>
@@ -261,7 +330,9 @@ export const SettingsModal: React.FC<SettingsModalProps> = ({
                     </p>
                 </div>
 
-                <hr style={{ borderColor: 'rgba(255,255,255,0.1)', margin: '24px 0' }} />
+                </Section>
+
+                <Section title="Microphone" defaultOpen>
 
                 {/* Microphone Toggle */}
                 <div className="control-group" style={{ marginBottom: '16px' }}>
@@ -434,6 +505,8 @@ export const SettingsModal: React.FC<SettingsModalProps> = ({
                         )}
                     </div>
                 )}
+
+                </Section>
             </div>
 
         </div>

src/components/TargetNoteControls.tsx

@@ -6,8 +6,10 @@
  * - Strings: pick which strings contribute target notes (fretted instruments).
  * - Fret window: restrict target notes to a fret range (fretted instruments).
  *
- * In Phrase Mode the same controls bind to the shared practice filter
+ * In Phrase Mode the Key section binds to the generator key (tonic+mode are
- * (mirrored into phrase settings), so state stays consistent across modes.
+ * always applied; no toggle), and the display-signature sync checkbox is
+ * hidden (phrase notation takes its signature from the score's key).
+ * Rendered inside the per-mode Setup panel above the notation.
  */
 import { useMemo } from 'react';
 import { Key, Guitar, Music, SlidersHorizontal } from 'lucide-react';
@@ -46,6 +48,8 @@ const MINOR_TONIC_TO_SIGNATURE: Record<string, string> = {
 export const TargetNoteControls: React.FC = () => {
     const { settings, updateSettings } = useSettings();
     const pf = getPracticeFilter(settings);
+    // Phrase Mode: key tonic/mode are the generator key — always in effect.
+    const inPhraseMode = settings.gameMode === 'phrase';
 
     const setFilter = (updates: Partial<PracticeFilter>) => {
         updateSettings(s => {
@@ -81,7 +85,8 @@ export const TargetNoteControls: React.FC = () => {
 
     const allSelected = pf.strings.length === 0;
 
-    const anyActive = pf.keyEnabled || pf.fretWindowEnabled || pf.strings.length > 0;
+    const anyActive =
+        (!inPhraseMode && pf.keyEnabled) || pf.fretWindowEnabled || pf.strings.length > 0;
     return (
         <div className="practice-filter-grid" style={{ display: 'flex', flexDirection: 'column', gap: '8px', border: '1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.2)', padding: '12px', borderRadius: '8px', gridColumn: '1 / -1' }}>
             {/* Section header: unified with Tuner/Metronome style */}
@@ -108,6 +113,7 @@ export const TargetNoteControls: React.FC = () => {
                         <Key size={18} />
                         <span>Key</span>
                     </label>
+                    {!inPhraseMode && (
                         <button
                             className={`switch-button ${pf.keyEnabled ? 'active' : ''}`}
                             onClick={() => setFilter({ keyEnabled: !pf.keyEnabled })}
@@ -115,8 +121,9 @@ export const TargetNoteControls: React.FC = () => {
                         >
                             <div className="switch-thumb" />
                         </button>
+                    )}
                 </div>
-                {pf.keyEnabled && (
+                {(pf.keyEnabled || inPhraseMode) && (
                     <>
                         <div style={{ display: 'flex', gap: '8px', marginTop: '8px' }}>
                             <select
@@ -140,6 +147,7 @@ export const TargetNoteControls: React.FC = () => {
                                 ))}
                             </select>
                         </div>
+                        {!inPhraseMode && (
                             <label style={{ fontSize: '11px', display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: '6px', marginTop: '6px', opacity: 0.85 }}>
                                 <input
                                     type="checkbox"
@@ -157,6 +165,7 @@ export const TargetNoteControls: React.FC = () => {
                                 />
                                 Sync display key signature with target key
                             </label>
+                        )}
                     </>
                 )}
             </div>

src/hooks/usePhraseTrainer.ts

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ import { subscribeRawFrames } from './rawFrameBus';
 import { phraseRunBus } from './phraseRunBus';
 import { phraseBeatBus } from './phraseBeatBus';
 
-export type PhrasePhase = 'ready' | 'countIn' | 'playing' | 'paused' | 'preview' | 'done';
+export type PhrasePhase = 'ready' | 'countIn' | 'playing' | 'paused' | 'preview' | 'previewPaused' | 'done';
 
 export interface PhraseSelection {
     readonly startBar: number;
@@ -56,6 +56,8 @@ const REARM_AFTER_SUSTAINED_MS = 2500;
 
 export interface PhraseTrainerApi {
     readonly phase: PhrasePhase;
+    /** Event index the preview cursor points at (-1 when not previewing). */
+    readonly previewIdx: number;
     /** Active slice the user is currently working through (may be a resume tail). */
     readonly activeScore: Score;
     readonly statuses: NoteStatus[];
@@ -76,6 +78,9 @@ export interface PhraseTrainerApi {
     retry: () => void;
     skip: () => void;
     previewToggle: () => void;
+    /** While previewing: step one event forward/backward (player-style).
+      * Plays the note at the new position and moves the preview indicator. */
+    previewStep: (dir: 1 | -1) => void;
     virtualTap: (midi: number) => void;
     /** External pause (settings dialog, visibility change handled internally). */
     pause: () => void;
@@ -95,6 +100,7 @@ export function usePhraseTrainer(
     const [countInLeft, setCountInLeft] = useState(0);
     const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
     const [repeatedNoteBlocked, setRepeatedNoteBlocked] = useState(false);
+    const [previewIdx, setPreviewIdx] = useState(-1);
     const [accumulated, setAccumulated] = useState<PhraseSummary>({ total: 0, matched: 0, missed: 0, skipped: 0 });
 
     // ---- Active slice (resume tails replace it) ---------------------------
@@ -102,6 +108,8 @@ export function usePhraseTrainer(
 
     const matcherRef = useRef<PhraseMatcher | null>(null);
     const repeatBlockedRef = useRef(false);
+    const previewIdxRef = useRef(-1);
+    const previewToggleRef = useRef<(() => void) | null>(null);
     const phaseRef = useRef<PhrasePhase>('ready');
     const paceRef = useRef(config.pace);
     const configRef = useRef(config);
@@ -117,6 +125,10 @@ export function usePhraseTrainer(
     const runTokenRef = useRef(0);
     const repeatTimerRef = useRef<ReturnType<typeof setTimeout> | null>(null);
     const previewTimerRef = useRef<ReturnType<typeof setTimeout> | null>(null);
+    /** Audio time the preview cursor is scheduled to reach (for pause). */
+    const previewEndAtRef = useRef(0);
+    /** Audio-time interval that advances the preview cursor. */
+    const previewTickRef = useRef<ReturnType<typeof setInterval> | null>(null);
 
     const events = useMemo(() => scoreEvents(activeScore), [activeScore]);
 
@@ -157,6 +169,9 @@ export function usePhraseTrainer(
         setAccumulated({ total: 0, matched: 0, missed: 0, skipped: 0 });
         audioEngine.cancelGroup(PREVIEW_GROUP);
         audioEngine.cancelGroup(CLICK_GROUP);
+        if (previewTickRef.current) { clearInterval(previewTickRef.current); previewTickRef.current = null; }
+        previewIdxRef.current = -1;
+        setPreviewIdx(-1);
         setPhaseBoth('ready');
         setCurrentIdx(-1);
         setCountInLeft(0);
@@ -388,6 +403,15 @@ export function usePhraseTrainer(
     const pauseInternalRef = useRef<(() => void) | null>(null);
 
     const pause = useCallback(() => {
+        if (phaseRef.current === 'preview') {
+            // External pause during preview behaves like preview pause
+            // (cursor kept, stepping enabled) but without phase recursion.
+            audioEngine.cancelGroup(PREVIEW_GROUP);
+            if (previewTickRef.current) { clearInterval(previewTickRef.current); previewTickRef.current = null; }
+            if (previewTimerRef.current) { clearTimeout(previewTimerRef.current); previewTimerRef.current = null; }
+            setPhaseBoth('previewPaused');
+            return;
+        }
         if (phaseRef.current !== 'playing' && phaseRef.current !== 'countIn') return;
         if (repeatTimerRef.current) { clearTimeout(repeatTimerRef.current); repeatTimerRef.current = null; }
         audioEngine.cancelGroup(CLICK_GROUP);
@@ -462,7 +486,7 @@ export function usePhraseTrainer(
             if (paceRef.current === 'tempo') resumeTempo();
             else setPhaseBoth('playing');
         } else if (p === 'ready' || p === 'done') start();
-        // preview: handled by previewToggle
+        else if (p === 'preview' || p === 'previewPaused') previewToggleRef.current?.();
     }, [pause, resumeTempo, setPhaseBoth, start]);
 
     const retry = useCallback(() => {
@@ -485,46 +509,115 @@ export function usePhraseTrainer(
         advanceStep(m);
     }, [advanceStep]);
 
-    const previewToggle = useCallback(() => {
+    /** Preview from event `fromIdx` to the end. A cursor interval mirrors
-        if (phaseRef.current === 'preview') {
+      * playback time so the notation indicator follows the sounding note. */
-            audioEngine.cancelGroup(PREVIEW_GROUP);
+    const playPreviewFrom = useCallback((fromIdx: number, token: number) => {
-            if (previewTimerRef.current) { clearTimeout(previewTimerRef.current); previewTimerRef.current = null; }
-            setPhaseBoth('ready');
-            return;
-        }
-        pause();
-        runTokenRef.current++;
-        const token = runTokenRef.current;
         void audioEngine.ensureRunning().then(() => {
             if (runTokenRef.current !== token) return;
             const bpm = sanitizeBpm(configRef.current.bpm);
             const spb = 60 / bpm;
             const t0 = audioEngine.now() + 0.15;
             const vol = configRef.current.previewVolume ?? 0.4;
+            const startTick = fromIdx > 0 ? events[fromIdx].startTick : 0;
+            const totalTicks = events.reduce((a, e) => Math.max(a, e.startTick + e.durationTicks), 0);
+            const secPerTick = spb / PPQ;
             for (const e of events) {
                 if (!e.pitch) continue;
-                audioEngine.scheduleNote(e.pitch.midi, t0 + (e.startTick / PPQ) * spb, (e.durationTicks / PPQ) * spb, vol, PREVIEW_GROUP);
+                if (e.startTick < startTick) continue;
+                audioEngine.scheduleNote(e.pitch.midi, t0 + ((e.startTick - startTick) / PPQ) * spb, (e.durationTicks / PPQ) * spb, vol, PREVIEW_GROUP);
             }
             // Tempo pace: click along with the preview so the rhythm is
             // audible while listening (quarter beats over the full span).
             // Registered in PREVIEW_GROUP so stopping the preview also stops
             // its clicks (no ghost metronomes after an aborted preview).
             if (paceRef.current === 'tempo' && configRef.current.clickSound) {
-                const totalTicks = events.reduce((a, e) => Math.max(a, e.startTick + e.durationTicks), 0);
+                const beats = Math.floor((totalTicks - startTick) / PPQ);
-                const beats = Math.floor(totalTicks / PPQ);
                 for (let i = 0; i < beats; i++) {
-                    audioEngine.playClickAt(t0 + i * spb, CLICK_VOLUME, i % 4 === 0, PREVIEW_GROUP);
+                    audioEngine.playClickAt(t0 + i * spb, CLICK_VOLUME, (fromIdx + i) % 4 === 0, PREVIEW_GROUP);
                 }
             }
             setPhaseBoth('preview');
-            const totalSec = (events.reduce((a, e) => Math.max(a, e.startTick + e.durationTicks), 0) / PPQ) * spb;
+
-            previewTimerRef.current = setTimeout(() => {
+            // Cursor: advance previewIdx by audio time (event start ticks).
-                if (runTokenRef.current === token) {
+            previewEndAtRef.current = t0 + (totalTicks - startTick) * secPerTick;
+            if (previewTickRef.current) clearInterval(previewTickRef.current);
+            previewTickRef.current = setInterval(() => {
+                if (phaseRef.current !== 'preview' || runTokenRef.current !== token) {
+                    if (previewTickRef.current) { clearInterval(previewTickRef.current); previewTickRef.current = null; }
+                    return;
+                }
+                const elapsedTicks = Math.max(0, (audioEngine.now() - t0) / secPerTick) + startTick;
+                let idx = previewIdxRef.current;
+                let advanced = false;
+                while (idx + 1 < events.length && events[idx + 1].startTick <= elapsedTicks) { idx++; advanced = true; }
+                if (advanced) { previewIdxRef.current = idx; setPreviewIdx(idx); }
+                if (audioEngine.now() >= previewEndAtRef.current + 0.2) {
+                    if (previewTickRef.current) { clearInterval(previewTickRef.current); previewTickRef.current = null; }
+                    previewIdxRef.current = -1;
+                    setPreviewIdx(-1);
                     setPhaseBoth('ready');
                 }
-            }, 150 + totalSec * 1000 + 200);
+            }, 60);
         });
-    }, [events, pause, setPhaseBoth]);
+    }, [events, setPhaseBoth]);
+
+    const stopPreview = useCallback(() => {
+        audioEngine.cancelGroup(PREVIEW_GROUP);
+        if (previewTimerRef.current) { clearTimeout(previewTimerRef.current); previewTimerRef.current = null; }
+        if (previewTickRef.current) { clearInterval(previewTickRef.current); previewTickRef.current = null; }
+        previewIdxRef.current = -1;
+        setPreviewIdx(-1);
+        setPhaseBoth('ready');
+    }, [setPhaseBoth]);
+
+    /** Pause preview: stop scheduled audio, keep the cursor position. */
+    const previewPause = useCallback(() => {
+        if (phaseRef.current !== 'preview') return;
+        audioEngine.cancelGroup(PREVIEW_GROUP);
+        if (previewTimerRef.current) { clearTimeout(previewTimerRef.current); previewTimerRef.current = null; }
+        if (previewTickRef.current) { clearInterval(previewTickRef.current); previewTickRef.current = null; }
+        setPhaseBoth('previewPaused');
+    }, [setPhaseBoth]);
+
+    const previewToggle = useCallback(() => {
+        const p = phaseRef.current;
+        if (p === 'preview') {
+            previewPause();
+            return;
+        }
+        if (p === 'previewPaused') {
+            // Resume from the paused cursor position.
+            runTokenRef.current++;
+            const token = runTokenRef.current;
+            playPreviewFrom(previewIdxRef.current, token);
+            return;
+        }
+        pause();
+        runTokenRef.current++;
+        const token = runTokenRef.current;
+        previewIdxRef.current = 0;
+        setPreviewIdx(0);
+        playPreviewFrom(0, token);
+    }, [pause, playPreviewFrom, previewPause, stopPreview]);
+    previewToggleRef.current = previewToggle;
+
+    /** Player-style stepping — only while the preview is PAUSED: move the
+      * cursor one event and play that single note (find-it-on-the-neck). */
+    const previewStep = useCallback((dir: 1 | -1) => {
+        if (phaseRef.current !== 'previewPaused') return;
+        const nextIdx = Math.max(0, Math.min(events.length - 1, previewIdxRef.current + dir));
+        if (nextIdx === previewIdxRef.current) return;
+        previewIdxRef.current = nextIdx;
+        setPreviewIdx(nextIdx);
+        // Play just this one event as an audible cue.
+        runTokenRef.current++;
+        const token = runTokenRef.current;
+        const e = events[nextIdx];
+        void audioEngine.ensureRunning().then(() => {
+            if (runTokenRef.current !== token || !e.pitch) return;
+            audioEngine.scheduleNote(e.pitch.midi, audioEngine.now() + 0.05, (e.durationTicks / PPQ) * (60 / sanitizeBpm(configRef.current.bpm)), configRef.current.previewVolume ?? 0.4, PREVIEW_GROUP);
+        });
+    }, [events, setPhaseBoth]);
 
     const virtualTap = useCallback((midi: number) => {
         const p = phaseRef.current;
@@ -548,6 +641,7 @@ export function usePhraseTrainer(
     const stop = useCallback(() => {
         if (repeatTimerRef.current) { clearTimeout(repeatTimerRef.current); repeatTimerRef.current = null; }
         if (previewTimerRef.current) { clearTimeout(previewTimerRef.current); previewTimerRef.current = null; }
+        if (previewTickRef.current) { clearInterval(previewTickRef.current); previewTickRef.current = null; }
         audioEngine.cancelGroup(PREVIEW_GROUP);
         audioEngine.cancelGroup(CLICK_GROUP);
         runTokenRef.current++;
@@ -576,6 +670,7 @@ export function usePhraseTrainer(
         // Unmount: cancel all scheduled audio and timers.
         if (repeatTimerRef.current) clearTimeout(repeatTimerRef.current);
         if (previewTimerRef.current) clearTimeout(previewTimerRef.current);
+        if (previewTickRef.current) clearInterval(previewTickRef.current);
         audioEngine.cancelGroup(PREVIEW_GROUP);
         audioEngine.cancelGroup(CLICK_GROUP);
     }, []);
@@ -602,6 +697,7 @@ export function usePhraseTrainer(
         statuses,
         currentIdx,
         countInLeft,
+        previewIdx,
         scoreStart: scoreStartRef.current,
         spb: spbRef.current,
         error,
@@ -611,6 +707,7 @@ export function usePhraseTrainer(
         retry,
         skip,
         previewToggle,
+        previewStep,
         virtualTap,
         pause,
         stop,

src/hooks/usePitchDetector.ts

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import {
     NOTE_DISPLAY_STABLE_FRAMES,
 } from '../AppConfig';
 
-interface PitchData {
+export interface PitchData {
     frequency: number;
     midi: number;
     note: string;

src/music/arpeggioGenerator.test.ts

@@ -18,8 +18,9 @@ describe('generateArpeggio', () => {
         expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
         if (!r.ok) return;
         const ev = scoreEvents(r.value);
-        // C-E-G-C: 4 notes, quarter each (plus final extension)
+        // C-E-G-C as eighths (always 240 ticks now) plus a rest fill in the
-        const midis = ev.map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
+        // auto-derived bar.
+        const midis = ev.filter(e => e.pitch).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
         expect(midis).toEqual([48, 52, 55, 60]);
         expect(validateScore(r.value)).toEqual([]);
         expect(r.value.title).toContain('Arpeggio');
@@ -30,7 +31,7 @@ describe('generateArpeggio', () => {
         const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'down', coverage: 'one-octave' }, pool);
         expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
         if (!r.ok) return;
-        const midis = scoreEvents(r.value).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
+        const midis = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
         expect(midis).toEqual([60, 55, 52, 48]);
     });
 
@@ -38,7 +39,7 @@ describe('generateArpeggio', () => {
         const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'updown', coverage: 'one-octave' }, pool);
         expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
         if (!r.ok) return;
-        const midis = scoreEvents(r.value).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
+        const midis = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
         // ascend C-E-G-C then descend back to C; only one C5 (turning point)
         expect(midis).toEqual([48, 52, 55, 60, 55, 52, 48]);
         expect(midis.filter(m => m === 60)).toHaveLength(1);
@@ -48,7 +49,7 @@ describe('generateArpeggio', () => {
         const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: '1235', coverage: 'one-octave' }, pool);
         expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
         if (!r.ok) return;
-        const midis = scoreEvents(r.value).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
+        const midis = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
         expect(midis).toEqual([48, 52, 55, 60]);
     });
 
@@ -56,14 +57,14 @@ describe('generateArpeggio', () => {
         const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'up', coverage: 'two-octave' }, pool);
         expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
         if (!r.ok) return;
-        const midis = scoreEvents(r.value).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
+        const midis = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
         expect(midis).toEqual([48, 52, 55, 60, 64, 67, 72]);
     });
     it('spells the dominant triad G-B-D in C major', () => {
         const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'V', pattern: 'up', coverage: 'one-octave' }, pool);
         expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
         if (!r.ok) return;
-        const pcs = scoreEvents(r.value).map(e => e.pitch!.midi % 12);
+        const pcs = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch).map(e => e.pitch!.midi % 12);
         expect(pcs).toEqual([7, 11, 2, 7]); // G B D G
     });
 
@@ -71,7 +72,7 @@ describe('generateArpeggio', () => {
         const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'vii0', pattern: 'up', coverage: 'one-octave' }, pool);
         expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
         if (!r.ok) return;
-        const pcs = scoreEvents(r.value).map(e => e.pitch!.midi % 12);
+        const pcs = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch).map(e => e.pitch!.midi % 12);
         expect(pcs).toEqual([11, 2, 5, 11]); // B D F B
     });
 
@@ -101,8 +102,9 @@ describe('generateArpeggio — sequence mode', () => {
         // bar boundaries: each bar starts on a chord root? (not enforced) — but ticks align
         const ev = scoreEvents(r.value);
         expect(validateScore(r.value)).toEqual([]);
-        // 4 beats per bar × 4 bars = 16 notes in quarters mode
+        // Auto meter from a 4-note path (960 ticks): 3/4 wins (remainder 480
-        expect(ev.length).toBe(16);
+        // vs 960 in 4/4) → 6 eighths per bar × 4 bars = 24
+        expect(ev.length).toBe(24);
         // deterministic
         const r2 = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'up', coverage: 'one-octave', bars: 4, progression: 'functional', seed: 7 }, pool);
         expect(r2.ok && JSON.stringify(scoreEvents(r2.value)) === JSON.stringify(ev)).toBe(true);
@@ -116,12 +118,13 @@ describe('generateArpeggio — sequence mode', () => {
         expect(syms).toEqual(['C', 'Dm', 'Em', 'F', 'G', 'Am', 'Bdim']);
     });
 
-    it('eighths rhythm doubles notes per bar', () => {
+    it('eighths fill each bar (always-eighths rhythm)', () => {
-        const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'up', coverage: 'one-octave', bars: 2, progression: 'functional', rhythm: 'eighths', seed: 3 }, pool);
+        const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'up', coverage: 'one-octave', bars: 2, progression: 'functional', seed: 3 }, pool);
         expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
         if (!r.ok) return;
         const ev = scoreEvents(r.value);
-        expect(ev.length).toBe(16); // 2 bars × 4 beats × 2
+        // Auto meter from a 4-note path: 3/4 → 6 eighths per bar × 2 bars
+        expect(ev.length).toBe(12);
         expect(ev[0].durationTicks).toBe(240);
         expect(validateScore(r.value)).toEqual([]);
     });
@@ -136,3 +139,103 @@ describe('generateArpeggio — sequence mode', () => {
         }
     });
 });
+
+describe('generateArpeggio — always-eighths + custom pattern', () => {
+    it('auto-derives 3/4 for a 4-note path (remainder 480 < 960)', () => {
+        const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'up', coverage: 'one-octave' }, pool);
+        expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
+        if (!r.ok) return;
+        expect(r.value.meter).toEqual({ numerator: 3, denominator: 4 });
+        const ev = scoreEvents(r.value);
+        for (const e of ev.filter(x => x.pitch)) expect(e.durationTicks).toBe(240);
+        // 4 notes fill 960 of the 1440-tick bar; remainder is a 480 rest
+        const rest = ev.find(e => e.pitch === null);
+        expect(rest).toBeDefined();
+        expect(rest!.durationTicks).toBe(480);
+        expect(rest!.startTick).toBe(960);
+    });
+
+    it('auto-derives 4/4 for a 6-note path (remainder 480 < 480? no — 6×240=1440 fits 3/4)', () => {
+        // 1321 figure → 4 notes; use 121321 → 6 notes = 1440 ticks = 3/4 exact
+        const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: '121321', coverage: 'one-octave' }, pool);
+        expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
+        if (!r.ok) return;
+        expect(r.value.meter).toEqual({ numerator: 3, denominator: 4 });
+        const ev = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch);
+        expect(ev.length).toBe(6);
+        expect(ev.every(e => e.durationTicks === 240)).toBe(true);
+    });
+
+    it('never stretches the last note (the old 2880-tick crash)', () => {
+        const ev = scoreEvents(
+            (generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'updown', coverage: 'two-octave' }, pool) as { ok: true; value: import('../score/model').Score }).value
+        );
+        const RENDERABLE = [120, 240, 360, 480, 720, 960, 1440, 1920];
+        for (const e of ev) expect(RENDERABLE).toContain(e.durationTicks);
+    });
+
+    it('builds a custom pattern from digits (1321 = root-fifth-third-root)', () => {
+        const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'custom', customPattern: '1321', coverage: 'one-octave' }, pool);
+        expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
+        if (!r.ok) return;
+        const midis = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
+        expect(midis).toEqual([48, 55, 52, 48]); // C G E C
+    });
+
+    it('digit 5 reaches the fifth above the octave', () => {
+        const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'custom', customPattern: '15', coverage: 'one-octave' }, pool);
+        expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
+        if (!r.ok) return;
+        const midis = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
+        expect(midis).toEqual([48, 67]); // C + G above the octave C
+    });
+
+    it('rejects invalid custom patterns cleanly', () => {
+        const empty = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'custom', coverage: 'one-octave' }, pool);
+        expect(empty.ok).toBe(false);
+        const bad = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'custom', customPattern: '179', coverage: 'one-octave' }, pool);
+        expect(bad.ok).toBe(false);
+    });
+
+    it('random pattern resolves to a valid broken-chord figure per seed', () => {
+        const RENDERABLE = [120, 240, 360, 480, 720, 960, 1440, 1920];
+        const seen = new Set<string>();
+        for (let seed = 0; seed < 30; seed++) {
+            const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'random', coverage: 'one-octave', seed }, pool);
+            expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
+            if (!r.ok) continue;
+            for (const e of scoreEvents(r.value)) expect(RENDERABLE).toContain(e.durationTicks);
+            expect(validateScore(r.value)).toEqual([]);
+            // The title reveals the resolved figure label
+            const match = r.value.title.match(/\(([^)]+)\,/);
+            if (match) seen.add(match[1]);
+        }
+        // Across seeds more than one distinct figure should appear
+        expect(seen.size).toBeGreaterThan(1);
+    });
+
+    it('random pattern is deterministic per seed', () => {
+        const a = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'random', coverage: 'two-octave', seed: 42 }, pool);
+        const b = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree: 'I', pattern: 'random', coverage: 'two-octave', seed: 42 }, pool);
+        expect(JSON.stringify(a)).toBe(JSON.stringify(b));
+    });
+
+    it('sweep: every pattern × degree × coverage produces only renderable ticks', () => {
+        const RENDERABLE = [120, 240, 360, 480, 720, 960, 1440, 1920];
+        const patterns = ['up', 'down', 'updown', '1235', '1321', '1325', '1535', '12353', '121321', '1353', '15453', '132532'] as const;
+        const degrees = ['I', 'ii', 'iii', 'IV', 'V', 'vi', 'vii0'] as const;
+        for (const pattern of patterns) {
+            for (const degree of degrees) {
+                for (const coverage of ['one-octave', 'two-octave'] as const) {
+                    const r = generateArpeggio({ ...base, degree, pattern, coverage }, pool);
+                    expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
+                    if (!r.ok) continue;
+                    const ev = scoreEvents(r.value);
+                    expect(ev.length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+                    for (const e of ev) expect(RENDERABLE).toContain(e.durationTicks);
+                    expect(validateScore(r.value)).toEqual([]);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    });
+});

src/music/arpeggioGenerator.ts

@@ -7,6 +7,9 @@
  * (one or two octaves). Chord tones are spelled via the key's degree
  * spelling (same machinery as melody/scale generators), so spelling and
  * validation match the Phrase Mode invariants exactly.
+ *
+ * Arpeggio mode is ALWAYS eighths (240 ticks per note). Meter is auto-derived
+ * from the pattern length — the user no longer picks rhythm or meter.
  */
 import { PPQ, validateScore, type Result, type Score, type ScoreEvent } from '../score/model';
 import { keyFor, type KeyContext, type ModeId } from './scales';
@@ -25,12 +28,12 @@ export type ArpeggioPattern =
     | '121321' // rolling thirds (root-third-root-fifth-third-root)
     | '1353'   // root-third-fifth-third
     | '15453'  // root-octave-fifth-octave-fifth-octave
-    | '132532';// long broken-chord wave
+    | '132532' // long broken-chord wave
+    | 'custom' // user-defined pattern from customPattern digits
+    | 'random'; // one broken-chord figure, chosen randomly per exercise (seed)
 export type ArpeggioCoverage = 'one-octave' | 'two-octave';
 /** How the chord per bar is chosen in sequence mode. */
 export type ArpeggioProgression = 'random' | 'functional' | 'diatonic-cycle';
-/** Rhythm density for arpeggio sequences. */
-export type ArpeggioRhythm = 'quarters' | 'eighths';
 
 export interface ArpeggioConfig {
     readonly keyTonic: string;
@@ -38,16 +41,17 @@ export interface ArpeggioConfig {
     readonly degree: ArpeggioDegree;
     readonly pattern: ArpeggioPattern;
     readonly coverage: ArpeggioCoverage;
-    readonly meter: { readonly numerator: 3 | 4 | 6; readonly denominator: 4 };
     /** Sequence mode: bars > 1 with chord progression selection. */
     readonly bars?: number;
     readonly progression?: ArpeggioProgression;
-    readonly rhythm?: ArpeggioRhythm;
     /** Restrict progression chords to these degrees (empty = all 7).
      *  The first bar always uses `degree` if it is in the selection. */
     readonly chordSelection?: readonly ArpeggioDegree[];
     /** Seed for progression selection (deterministic). */
     readonly seed?: number;
+    /** User-defined custom pattern digits (1-indexed: 1=root, 2=third, 3=fifth,
+     *  4=octave, 5=fifth-above-octave). Only used when pattern === 'custom'. */
+    readonly customPattern?: string;
 }
 
 /** Degree index (0-based) into the scale for each arpeggio degree label. */
@@ -69,17 +73,15 @@ export const PATTERN_LABELS: Record<ArpeggioPattern, string> = {
     '1353': '1-3-5-3',
     '15453': '1-5-4-5-3-5',
     '132532': '1-3-2-5-3-2',
+    'custom': 'Custom…',
+    'random': 'Random',
 };
 
 /**
- * Giuliani figures — NOTE sequences (not fingerings): the thumb (p) always
+ * Broken-chord figures — NOTE sequences (not fingerings): the bass takes the
- * takes the bass/root, the remaining notes ride the upper chord tones.
+ * root, the remaining notes ride the upper chord tones.
- * Indices into the octave cycle [0=root, 1=third, 2=fifth, 3=octave]; the
+ * Indices into the octave cycle [0=root, 1=third, 2=fifth, 3=octave].
- * figure repeats with an ascending octave shift per repetition (the bass
- * stays in place — like the Maestoso studies).
  */
-// Broken-chord figures — NOTE sequences on the cycle [0=root, 1=third,
-// 2=fifth, 3=octave]; register ascends per repetition.
 const BROKEN_FIGURES: Record<string, number[]> = {
     '1321': [0, 2, 1, 0],
     '1325': [0, 2, 1, 3],
@@ -91,6 +93,16 @@ const BROKEN_FIGURES: Record<string, number[]> = {
     '132532': [0, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1],
 };
 
+/**
+ * Renderable note durations — subset of VexFlow duration codes the
+ * PhraseSheetMusic renderer accepts. ALL generated durations MUST be in this
+ * set, otherwise the renderer produces ghost slots and crashes or misaligns.
+ */
+const RENDERABLE_NOTE_TICKS = new Set([120, 240, 360, 480, 720, 960, 1440, 1920]);
+
+/** Descending renderable durations for rest fills (largest first). */
+const REST_FILL_TICKS = [1920, 1440, 960, 720, 480, 240];
+
 /** pc of a spelled degree (step letter + alter). */
 const degreePc = (d: { step: StepLetter; alter: number }): number =>
     (LETTER_PC[STEP_LETTERS.indexOf(d.step)] + d.alter + 144) % 12;
@@ -128,6 +140,29 @@ function spellInKey(key: KeyContext, midi: number): { step: StepLetter; alter: n
     return { step: d.step, alter: d.alter, octave };
 }
 
+/**
+ * Auto-derive a meter (3/4 or 4/4) from the number of eighths in the phrase.
+ * Always returns 3/4 or 4/4 — 6/8 is never used for arpeggios since it can
+ * produce non-renderable tick sizes with some pattern lengths.
+ *
+ * For N notes at 240 ticks each:
+ *   Try 4/4: bars4 = ceil(N*240 / 1920), remainder4 = bars4*1920 - N*240
+ *   Try 3/4: bars3 = ceil(N*240 / 1440), remainder3 = bars3*1440 - N*240
+ *   Pick the one with smaller remainder (fewer bars as tiebreaker).
+ */
+export function autoArpeggioMeter(noteCount: number): { numerator: 4 | 3; denominator: 4 } {
+    const totalTicks = noteCount * 240;
+    const bars4 = Math.ceil(totalTicks / 1920);
+    const remainder4 = bars4 * 1920 - totalTicks;
+    const bars3 = Math.ceil(totalTicks / 1440);
+    const remainder3 = bars3 * 1440 - totalTicks;
+
+    if (remainder3 < remainder4) return { numerator: 3, denominator: 4 };
+    if (remainder4 < remainder3) return { numerator: 4, denominator: 4 };
+    // equal remainders → prefer fewer bars
+    return bars3 <= bars4 ? { numerator: 3, denominator: 4 } : { numerator: 4, denominator: 4 };
+}
+
 /**
  * Build the arpeggio path: chord tones ascending from the lowest available
  * root (degree tone) that allows a full one/two-octave cycle in the pool.
@@ -193,10 +228,10 @@ function buildPath(key: KeyContext, degreeIndex: number, pool: number[], coverag
             return path;
         }
         default: {
-            // Giuliani figure: cycle [root, third, fifth, octave] with the
+            // Broken-chord figure: cycle [root, third, fifth, octave] with the
             // figure selecting cycle positions per note; the octave wraps so
-            // e.g. p-i-m over C-E-G becomes C E G | C' E' G' ... (ascending
+            // e.g. 1321 over C-E-G becomes C G E C' ... (ascending octave
-            // octave register shift every figure repetition).
+            // register shift every figure repetition).
             const figure = BROKEN_FIGURES[pattern];
             // 4-note cycle per octave: root, third, fifth, octave
             const cycleOct = (oct: number): number[] => [
@@ -215,6 +250,143 @@ function buildPath(key: KeyContext, degreeIndex: number, pool: number[], coverag
     }
 }
 
+/**
+ * Parse custom pattern digits into cycle indices (0-based).
+ * Digits are 1-indexed: 1=root, 2=third, 3=fifth, 4=octave, 5=fifth-above-octave.
+ * Returns null for empty/invalid input.
+ */
+function parseCustomPattern(digits: string): number[] | null {
+    if (!digits || digits.trim().length === 0) return null;
+    const result: number[] = [];
+    for (const ch of digits.trim()) {
+        const n = parseInt(ch, 10);
+        if (isNaN(n) || n < 1 || n > 5) return null;
+        // Map 1→0 (root), 2→1 (third), 3→2 (fifth), 4→3 (octave), 5→4 (fifth above octave)
+        result.push(n - 1);
+    }
+    return result.length > 0 ? result : null;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Build a custom path from 0-based digit indices using the one-octave cycle
+ * [root, third, fifth, octave] (index 4 = fifth above the octave).
+ */
+function buildCustomPath(
+    base: number[],
+    pattern: number[],
+    octavesWanted: number,
+    pool: number[],
+): number[] | null {
+    const cycleOct = (oct: number): number[] => [
+        base[0] + 12 * oct, base[1] + 12 * oct, base[2] + 12 * oct, base[0] + 12 * (oct + 1),
+    ];
+
+    const path: number[] = [];
+    for (let oct = 0; oct < octavesWanted; oct++) {
+        const c = cycleOct(oct);
+        // Extend the cycle for digit 5: fifth above the octave (+7 semitones).
+        const extended = [...c, c[3] + 7];
+        for (const idx of pattern) {
+            const note = extended[idx];
+            if (note === undefined) continue;
+            if (oct > 0 && !pool.includes(note)) continue;
+            path.push(note);
+        }
+    }
+    return path.length > 0 ? path : null;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Build the path for one chord (degree), honouring built-in patterns and the
+ * user-defined custom pattern. Returns null when the chord cannot be voiced
+ * in the playable pool.
+ */
+function pathForChord(
+    key: KeyContext,
+    degreeIndex: number,
+    pool: number[],
+    coverage: ArpeggioCoverage,
+    pattern: ArpeggioPattern,
+    customDigits: number[] | null,
+): number[] | null {
+    if (pattern === 'custom') {
+        if (!customDigits) return null;
+        const tones = chordTonesInPool(key, degreeIndex, pool);
+        if (tones.length < 3) return null;
+        const rootPc = degreePc(key.degrees[degreeIndex]);
+        const roots = tones.filter(m => ((m % 12) + 12) % 12 === rootPc);
+        const octavesWanted = coverage === 'one-octave' ? 1 : 2;
+        for (const root of roots) {
+            // chord tones >= root within one octave, including the octave
+            const cycle: number[] = [];
+            for (const midi of tones) {
+                if (midi >= root && midi <= root + 12) cycle.push(midi);
+            }
+            if (!cycle.includes(root + 12) && pool.includes(root + 12)) cycle.push(root + 12);
+            cycle.sort((a, b) => a - b);
+            if (cycle.length < 3 || cycle[0] !== root) continue;
+            const p = buildCustomPath(cycle, customDigits, octavesWanted, pool);
+            if (p) return p;
+        }
+        return null;
+    }
+    return buildPath(key, degreeIndex, pool, coverage, pattern);
+}
+
+/**
+ * Emit one eighth-note event with key-aware spelling.
+ * Returns false when the midi note cannot be spelled in this key.
+ */
+function pushNote(
+    events: ScoreEvent[],
+    key: KeyContext,
+    midi: number,
+    startTick: number,
+    id: string,
+): boolean {
+    const spelled = spellInKey(key, midi);
+    if (!spelled) return false;
+    events.push({
+        id,
+        startTick,
+        durationTicks: 240,
+        pitch: { midi, ...spelled },
+    });
+    return true;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Fill the tail of the material (after the last note) with rests built from
+ * RENDERABLE durations only. Splits the gap greedily, largest duration first.
+ */
+function pushRestFill(events: ScoreEvent[], fromTick: number, untilTick: number): void {
+    let cursor = fromTick;
+    while (cursor < untilTick) {
+        const gap = untilTick - cursor;
+        const dur = REST_FILL_TICKS.find(d => d <= gap);
+        if (!dur) break; // gap smaller than an eighth — should not happen
+        events.push({
+            id: `r${events.length}`,
+            startTick: cursor,
+            durationTicks: dur,
+            pitch: null, // rest
+        });
+        cursor += dur;
+    }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Resolve the effective broken-chord figure for this exercise. 'random'
+ * picks one deterministic figure per seed so every auto-continued run gets
+ * a fresh broken-chord pattern while remaining reproducible.
+ */
+function resolveRandomPattern(pattern: ArpeggioPattern, seed: number): ArpeggioPattern {
+    if (pattern !== 'random') return pattern;
+    const figures = Object.keys(BROKEN_FIGURES);
+    const rng = makeRng(seed * 7919 + 13);
+    return figures[Math.floor(rng() * figures.length)] as ArpeggioPattern;
+}
+
 export function generateArpeggio(
     config: ArpeggioConfig,
     eligiblePitches: number[],
@@ -224,14 +396,11 @@ export function generateArpeggio(
     if (pool.length === 0) return { ok: false, error: 'No playable notes in the selected range — widen the note set.' };
 
     const bars = config.bars ?? 1;
-    const pattern = config.pattern;
+    const pattern = resolveRandomPattern(config.pattern, config.seed ?? 0);
     const coverage = config.coverage;
 
     // ---- Chord sequence ----------------------------------------------------
-    // Single-bar mode: the chosen degree for all bars (bars is 1).
-    // Sequence mode: one chord per bar, chosen by progression rule.
     const degreeIndices: number[] = [];
-    // Sequence chord pool: user selection (restricted to it) or all 7.
     const sel = (config.chordSelection ?? []).filter(d => d in DEGREE_INDEX).map(d => DEGREE_INDEX[d as ArpeggioDegree]);
     const pool7 = sel.length > 0 ? Array.from(new Set(sel)).sort((a, b) => a - b) : [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6];
     if (bars === 1) {
@@ -241,8 +410,6 @@ export function generateArpeggio(
         const pick = <T,>(arr: T[]): T => arr[Math.floor(rng() * arr.length)];
         for (let b = 0; b < bars; b++) {
             if (b === 0) {
-                // First bar: a random chord FROM THE SELECTION — fixed starts
-                // repeated the exercise identically every time.
                 degreeIndices.push(pool7.includes(DEGREE_INDEX[config.degree]) && rng() < 0.34
                     ? DEGREE_INDEX[config.degree]
                     : pick(pool7));
@@ -250,20 +417,10 @@ export function generateArpeggio(
             }
             const prev = degreeIndices[b - 1];
             if (config.progression === 'diatonic-cycle') {
-                // Next diatonic degree that is also in the selection
                 let next = (prev + 1) % 7;
                 for (let tries = 0; tries < 7 && !pool7.includes(next); tries++) next = (next + 1) % 7;
                 degreeIndices.push(next);
             } else if (config.progression === 'functional') {
-                // Simple tonal function rules (major-oriented; mirrored for
-                // minor by degree relationships below):
-                //   I   -> {IV, V, vi}
-                //   ii  -> {V}
-                //   iii -> {IV, vi}
-                //   IV  -> {I, V}
-                //   V   -> {I, vi}
-                //   vi  -> {ii, IV}
-                //   vii -> {I}
                 const NEXT: Record<number, number[]> = {
                     0: [3, 4, 5],
                     1: [4],
@@ -273,86 +430,85 @@ export function generateArpeggio(
                     5: [1, 3],
                     6: [0],
                 };
-                // functional: honor the selection — filter rule targets by it
                 const targets = (NEXT[prev] ?? [0]).filter(d => pool7.includes(d));
                 degreeIndices.push(pick(targets.length > 0 ? targets : pool7.filter(d => d !== prev)));
             } else {
-                // random: any selected degree, avoid immediate repetition
                 const candidates = pool7.filter(d => d !== prev);
                 degreeIndices.push(pick(candidates.length > 0 ? candidates : pool7));
             }
         }
     }
 
-    // ---- Path per bar: one arpeggio cycle per chord -------------------------
+    // ---- Custom pattern digits (only for pattern === 'custom') --------------
-    const full = config.meter.numerator * PPQ;
+    const customDigits = pattern === 'custom' ? parseCustomPattern(config.customPattern ?? '') : null;
-    const perBarSegments: { path: number[]; degreeIndex: number }[] = [];
+    if (pattern === 'custom' && !customDigits) {
-    for (const di of degreeIndices) {
+        return { ok: false, error: 'Custom pattern is empty or invalid — enter digits like "1321" (1=root, 2=third, 3=fifth, 4=octave).' };
-        const path = buildPath(key, di, pool, coverage, pattern);
+    }
-        if (!path || path.length === 0) {
+
+    // ---- Build the path for the first chord ----------------------------------
+    // All bars share the same pattern, so the path length (and thus meter) is
+    // derived from the first chord's voicing. Sequence mode repeats the path
+    // within each bar, so the meter also derives from the path length itself.
+    const firstPath = pathForChord(key, degreeIndices[0], pool, coverage, pattern, customDigits);
+    if (!firstPath || firstPath.length === 0) {
         return {
             ok: false,
             error: 'The arpeggio does not fit the playable range — widen the range (strings/fret window) or pick another degree.',
         };
     }
-        perBarSegments.push({ path, degreeIndex: di });
+    const meter = autoArpeggioMeter(firstPath.length);
-    }
+    const notesPerBar = meter.numerator * 2; // 2 eighths per beat
+    const barLength = meter.numerator * PPQ;
+    const noteDur = 240; // always eighths
 
-    // ---- Events: fit each segment into one bar ------------------------------
+    // ---- Events: single-chord vs sequence mode --------------------------------
-    const rhythm = config.rhythm ?? 'quarters';
     const events: ScoreEvent[] = [];
     const chordSymbols: (string | null)[] = [];
+
+    if (bars === 1) {
+        // Single-chord mode: the path plays once; any remaining ticks in the
+        // final bar(s) become rests (renderable durations only). The path is
+        // NEVER stretched — durations stay at 240 ticks.
+        const barCount = Math.max(1, Math.ceil((firstPath.length * noteDur) / barLength));
+        chordSymbols.push(chordNameFor(key, degreeIndices[0]));
+
+        let cursor = 0;
+        for (let slot = 0; slot < firstPath.length; slot++) {
+            pushNote(events, key, firstPath[slot], cursor, `a0-${slot}`);
+            cursor += noteDur;
+        }
+        const totalTicks = barCount * barLength;
+        if (cursor < totalTicks) pushRestFill(events, cursor, totalTicks);
+    } else {
+        // Sequence mode: one chord per bar, each bar holds exactly
+        // `notesPerBar` eighths (the path cycles if it is shorter, and is
+        // truncated if longer — with two-octave coverage the auto-derived
+        // meter always gives enough room).
         let cursor = 0;
         for (let b = 0; b < bars; b++) {
-        const { path, degreeIndex } = perBarSegments[b];
+            const di = degreeIndices[b];
-        chordSymbols.push(chordNameFor(key, degreeIndex));
+            chordSymbols.push(chordNameFor(key, di));
-        if (bars === 1) {
+            const barPath = pathForChord(key, di, pool, coverage, pattern, customDigits);
-            // Single-bar mode (v1 behavior): whole path, final note extended
+            if (!barPath || barPath.length === 0) {
-            // to fill the bar — or, when the path overflows one bar, spread
+                return { ok: false, error: `Cannot voice arpeggio for chord ${chordNameFor(key, di)}.` };
-            // over the needed bars with the overflow in the last note.
-            const barCount = Math.max(1, Math.ceil((path.length * PPQ) / full));
-            const totalTicks = barCount * full;
-            const lastDuration = PPQ + (totalTicks - path.length * PPQ);
-            path.forEach((midi, n) => {
-                const spelled = spellInKey(key, midi);
-                if (!spelled) return;
-                const dur = n === path.length - 1 ? lastDuration : PPQ;
-                events.push({ id: `a${b}-${n}`, startTick: cursor, durationTicks: dur, pitch: { midi, ...spelled } });
-                cursor += dur;
-            });
-            continue;
             }
-        // Sequence mode: fit the bar exactly. 'quarters': one note per beat,
+            for (let n = 0; n < notesPerBar; n++) {
-        // cycling up/down through the path. 'eighths': two notes per beat.
+                pushNote(events, key, barPath[n % barPath.length], cursor, `a${b}-${n}`);
-        const slots = rhythm === 'quarters' ? 1 : 2;
-        const notesPerBar = config.meter.numerator * slots;
-        const line: number[] = [];
-        let dir = 1;
-        let lastIdx = 0;
-        while (line.length < notesPerBar) {
-            line.push(path[lastIdx]);
-            if (lastIdx + dir < 0 || lastIdx + dir >= path.length) dir = -dir;
-            else lastIdx += dir;
-        }
-        const noteDur = full / notesPerBar;
-        line.forEach((midi, n) => {
-            const spelled = spellInKey(key, midi);
-            if (!spelled) return;
-            events.push({
-                id: `a${b}-${n}`,
-                startTick: cursor,
-                durationTicks: noteDur,
-                pitch: { midi, ...spelled },
-            });
                 cursor += noteDur;
-        });
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // ---- Validate all durations are renderable -----------------------------
+    for (const e of events) {
+        if (!RENDERABLE_NOTE_TICKS.has(e.durationTicks)) {
+            return { ok: false, error: `Internal arpeggio error: non-renderable duration ${e.durationTicks} at ${e.id}.` };
+        }
     }
 
     const chordName = `${key.tonic} ${ARPEGGIO_DEGREE_LABELS[config.degree]}`;
-    const patternLabel = PATTERN_LABELS[config.pattern];
+    const patternLabel = PATTERN_LABELS[pattern];
-    // Single-bar paths can overflow into extra bars (updown/two-octave);
+    const totalMeasures = Math.max(1, Math.ceil(events.reduce((s, e) => Math.max(s, e.startTick + e.durationTicks), 0) / barLength));
-    // sequence mode always has exactly `bars` measures.
-    const totalMeasures = bars === 1 ? Math.max(1, Math.ceil((cursor) / full)) : bars;
     const title = bars === 1
         ? `Arpeggio — ${chordName} (${patternLabel}, ${coverage})`
         : `Arpeggio — ${key.tonic}: ${bars} bars (${config.progression ?? 'functional'})`;
@@ -360,12 +516,12 @@ export function generateArpeggio(
         version: 1,
         id: `arpeggio-${config.keyTonic}-${config.keyMode}-${config.degree}-${config.pattern}-${config.coverage}-${bars}b-${config.progression ?? 'single'}-${config.seed ?? 0}`,
         title,
-        meter: config.meter,
+        meter,
         key: { tonic: config.keyTonic, mode: config.keyMode, signature: key.signature },
         measures: Array.from({ length: totalMeasures }, (_, i) => ({
             number: i + 1,
-            startTick: i * full,
+            startTick: i * barLength,
-            durationTicks: full,
+            durationTicks: barLength,
         })),
         chordSymbols: bars === 1
             // repeat the single chord symbol across the overflow bars

src/music/giulianiGenerator.test.ts

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest';
-import { generateGiulianiStudy } from './giulianiGenerator';
+import { generateGiulianiStudy, type GiulianiPattern } from './giulianiGenerator';
 import { scoreEvents, validateScore } from '../score/model';
 
 const strings = [40, 45, 50, 55, 59, 64];
@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ for (const open of strings) for (let f = 0; f <= 12; f++) pool.push(open + f);
 const base = {
     keyTonic: 'C',
     keyMode: 'major' as const,
-    meter: { numerator: 4 as const, denominator: 4 as const },
     tuningId: 'standard',
     bars: 4,
     chordSelection: [] as string[],
@@ -23,7 +22,8 @@ describe('generateGiulianiStudy', () => {
         if (!r.ok) return;
         const ev = scoreEvents(r.value);
         expect(r.value.measures.length).toBe(4);
-        expect(ev.length).toBe(4 * 4 * 4); // bars × beats × figure length
+        // 4 voices → 4/4 auto-derived; eighths: 8 notes per bar
+        expect(ev.length).toBe(4 * 8);
         expect(validateScore(r.value)).toEqual([]);
         expect(r.value.title).toContain('Giuliani');
     });
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ describe('generateGiulianiStudy', () => {
         if (!r.ok) return;
         // For each repetition of 4 consecutive notes, all midis must differ
         // (distinct cycle positions → distinct pitches within a beat figure)
-        const ev = scoreEvents(r.value);
+        const ev = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch);
         for (let i = 0; i + 3 < ev.length; i += 4) {
             const four = ev.slice(i, i + 4).map(e => e.pitch!.midi);
             expect(new Set(four).size).toBe(4);
@@ -45,10 +45,10 @@ describe('generateGiulianiStudy', () => {
         const r = generateGiulianiStudy({ ...base, pattern: 'pimamim', seed: 1 }, pool);
         expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
         if (!r.ok) return;
-        const ev = scoreEvents(r.value);
+        const ev = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch);
-        // 4/4: figure falls back to quarter-note walk (6-note figure over 4
+        // 6 voices → 3/4 auto-derived; eighths: 6 notes per bar (one cycle)
-        // beats is not renderable in even subdivisions) — 4 bars × 4 quarters
+        expect(ev.length).toBe(4 * 6);
-        expect(ev.length).toBe(16);
+        expect(ev.every(e => e.durationTicks === 240)).toBe(true);
         expect(validateScore(r.value)).toEqual([]);
     });
 
@@ -63,3 +63,94 @@ describe('generateGiulianiStudy', () => {
         expect(r.ok).toBe(false); // 4 voices cannot live on one string
     });
 });
+
+describe('generateGiulianiStudy — always-eighths + new patterns', () => {
+    it('all note durations are exactly 240 across every pattern', () => {
+        const patterns = ['pim', 'pima', 'pami', 'aim', 'pimamim', 'pmamim', 'piai', 'pmami', 'pimami', 'pimaia', 'pimai', 'pmia', 'pmim'] as const;
+        for (const p of patterns) {
+            const r = generateGiulianiStudy({ ...base, pattern: p, seed: 1 }, pool);
+            expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
+            if (!r.ok) continue;
+            const ev = scoreEvents(r.value);
+            const RENDERABLE = [120, 240, 360, 480, 720, 960, 1440, 1920];
+            for (const e of ev.filter(x => x.pitch)) expect(e.durationTicks).toBe(240);
+            for (const e of ev.filter(x => x.pitch === null)) expect(RENDERABLE).toContain(e.durationTicks);
+            expect(validateScore(r.value)).toEqual([]);
+        }
+    });
+
+    it('alternating bass puts the fifth degree in the bass on even bars', () => {
+        const r = generateGiulianiStudy({ ...base, pattern: 'pima', seed: 4, bars: 4, alternateBass: true }, pool);
+        expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
+        if (!r.ok) return;
+        const ev = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch);
+        const full = 4 * 480; // 4/4 bar
+        // Even bars (0-indexed): first note of each figure cycle is the bass.
+        // Its pc must be the FIFTH of the bar's chord (C major: cycle starts
+        // on I or another diatonic chord; verify bass ≠ root and bass = fifth).
+        for (let bar = 0; bar < 4; bar += 2) {
+            const barEv = ev.filter(e => e.startTick >= bar * full && e.startTick < (bar + 1) * full);
+            expect(barEv.length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+            const bassMidi = barEv[0].pitch!.midi;
+            const upperPcs = new Set(barEv.slice(1).map(e => e.pitch!.midi % 12));
+            // the bass pc must NOT equal any upper-voice root pc check below;
+            // direct check: bass pc differs from the plain-root voicing
+            const plain = generateGiulianiStudy({ ...base, pattern: 'pima', seed: 4, bars: 4 }, pool);
+            expect(plain.ok).toBe(true);
+            if (!plain.ok) return;
+            const plainEv = scoreEvents(plain.value).filter(e => e.pitch);
+            const plainBass = plainEv.filter(e => e.startTick >= bar * full && e.startTick < (bar + 1) * full)[0];
+            expect(bassMidi % 12).not.toBe(plainBass.pitch!.midi % 12);
+            // and it must be a fifth above the root (7 semitones) — i.e. a
+            // chord tone that is neither root nor third of the upper cycle
+            const bassPc = bassMidi % 12;
+            const rootPc = plainBass.pitch!.midi % 12;
+            // fifth of a diatonic triad: +7 semitones (+6 for the dim chord)
+            expect([6, 7]).toContain((bassPc - rootPc + 12) % 12);
+            void upperPcs;
+        }
+    });
+
+    it('odd bars keep the root bass when alternating is on', () => {
+        const r = generateGiulianiStudy({ ...base, pattern: 'pima', seed: 4, bars: 4, alternateBass: true }, pool);
+        const plain = generateGiulianiStudy({ ...base, pattern: 'pima', seed: 4, bars: 4 }, pool);
+        expect(r.ok && plain.ok).toBe(true);
+        if (!r.ok || !plain.ok) return;
+        const ev = scoreEvents(r.value).filter(e => e.pitch);
+        const plainEv = scoreEvents(plain.value).filter(e => e.pitch);
+        const full = 4 * 480;
+        for (let bar = 1; bar < 4; bar += 2) {
+            const bass = ev.filter(e => e.startTick >= bar * full && e.startTick < (bar + 1) * full)[0];
+            const plainBass = plainEv.filter(e => e.startTick >= bar * full && e.startTick < (bar + 1) * full)[0];
+            expect(bass.pitch!.midi % 12).toBe(plainBass.pitch!.midi % 12);
+        }
+    });
+
+    it('new figure lengths auto-derive the specified meter', () => {
+        const cases: [GiulianiPattern, 3 | 4][] = [
+            ['pim', 3], ['pima', 4], ['pimamim', 3], ['pimai', 4], ['pmia', 4], ['pmim', 4],
+        ];
+        for (const [p, num] of cases) {
+            const r = generateGiulianiStudy({ ...base, pattern: p, seed: 2 }, pool);
+            expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
+            if (!r.ok) continue;
+            expect(r.value.meter.numerator).toBe(num);
+            expect(r.value.meter.denominator).toBe(4);
+        }
+    });
+
+    it('5-voice figures (pimai) fill 4/4 with a trailing 720-tick rest', () => {
+        const r = generateGiulianiStudy({ ...base, pattern: 'pimai', seed: 2, bars: 2 }, pool);
+        expect(r.ok).toBe(true);
+        if (!r.ok) return;
+        const ev = scoreEvents(r.value);
+        const full = 1920;
+        for (let bar = 0; bar < 2; bar++) {
+            const barEv = ev.filter(e => e.startTick >= bar * full && e.startTick < (bar + 1) * full);
+            const rest = barEv.find(e => e.pitch === null);
+            expect(rest).toBeDefined();
+            expect(rest!.startTick).toBe(bar * full + 1200);
+            expect(rest!.durationTicks).toBe(720);
+        }
+    });
+});

src/music/giulianiGenerator.ts

@@ -10,6 +10,10 @@
  * the root) and V-1 higher strings; each note of the cycle is placed on its
  * designated string at the fret matching the chord tone. Figure repeats
  * over the chord; every bar re-voices (deterministically) so sequences work.
+ *
+ * Rhythm is ALWAYS eighths (240 ticks per note); meter is auto-derived from
+ * the figure length, so odd figure lengths never produce non-renderable
+ * durations.
  */
 import { PPQ, validateScore, type Result, type Score, type ScoreEvent, STEP_LETTERS, LETTER_PC, type StepLetter } from '../score/model';
 import { keyFor, type KeyContext, type ModeId } from './scales';
@@ -25,8 +29,11 @@ export type GiulianiPattern =
     | 'pmamim'   // asymmetric
     | 'piai'     // bass + octave-third (wide spacing)
     | 'pmami'    // bass + fifth-octave-third
-    | 'pimami'   // bass-third-fifth-third (waltz-like)
+    | 'pimami'   // bass-third-fifth-octave-third-fifth (waltz-like)
-    | 'pimaia';  // bass with two upper-voice pairs
+    | 'pimaia'   // bass with two upper-voice pairs
+    | 'pimai'    // p-i-m-a-i
+    | 'pmia'     // p-m-i-a
+    | 'pmim';    // p-m-i-m
 
 export const GIULIANI_PATTERN_LABELS: Record<GiulianiPattern, string> = {
     pim: 'p-i-m (3 voices)',
@@ -39,6 +46,9 @@ export const GIULIANI_PATTERN_LABELS: Record<GiulianiPattern, string> = {
     pmami: 'p-m-a-m-i',
     pimami: 'p-i-m-a-m-i (waltz)',
     pimaia: 'p-i-m-a-i-a',
+    pimai: 'p-i-m-a-i',
+    pmia: 'p-m-i-a',
+    pmim: 'p-m-i-m',
 };
 
 /** Figure voice slots per repetition (indices into the cycle [root, third, fifth, octave]). */
@@ -51,15 +61,17 @@ const FIGURES: Record<GiulianiPattern, number[]> = {
     pmamim: [0, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2],
     piai: [0, 1, 3, 1],
     pmami: [0, 2, 3, 2, 1],
-    pimami: [0, 1, 2, 3, 2],
+    pimami: [0, 1, 2, 3, 2, 1],
     pimaia: [0, 1, 2, 3, 1, 3],
+    pimai: [0, 1, 2, 3, 1],
+    pmia: [0, 2, 1, 3],
+    pmim: [0, 2, 1, 2],
 };
 
 export interface GiulianiConfig {
     readonly keyTonic: string;
     readonly keyMode: ModeId;
     readonly pattern: GiulianiPattern;
-    readonly meter: { readonly numerator: 3 | 4 | 6; readonly denominator: 4 };
     readonly tuningId: string;
     /** Bars (one chord per bar). */
     readonly bars: number;
@@ -69,6 +81,9 @@ export interface GiulianiConfig {
     readonly seed: number;
     /** Deterministic pattern from the practice filter (strings restriction). */
     readonly allowedStrings: readonly number[];
+    /** Alternating bass: even bars (0-indexed) take the fifth degree as the
+     *  bass note instead of the root. Upper voices stay on chord tones. */
+    readonly alternateBass?: boolean;
 }
 
 const DEGREE_INDEX: Record<string, number> = { I: 0, ii: 1, iii: 2, IV: 3, V: 4, vi: 5, 'vii0': 6 };
@@ -98,32 +113,63 @@ function triadPcs(key: KeyContext, degreeIndex: number): ChordTone[] {
     }));
 }
 
+/**
+ * Auto-derive meter from the figure length (always eighths):
+ *   3 voices (240×3=720):  3/4 (2 cycles = 1440, perfect fit)
+ *   4 voices (240×4=960):  4/4 (2 cycles = 1920, perfect fit)
+ *   5 voices (240×5=1200): 4/4 (1 cycle + 720 rest)
+ *   6 voices (240×6=1440): 3/4 (1 cycle = 1440, perfect fit)
+ */
+export function autoGiulianiMeter(figureLength: number): { numerator: 3 | 4; denominator: 4 } {
+    switch (figureLength) {
+        case 3: return { numerator: 3, denominator: 4 };
+        case 4: return { numerator: 4, denominator: 4 };
+        case 5: return { numerator: 4, denominator: 4 };
+        case 6: return { numerator: 3, denominator: 4 };
+        default: {
+            // Fall back to the same remainder heuristic as arpeggios.
+            const totalTicks = figureLength * 240;
+            const bars4 = Math.ceil(totalTicks / 1920);
+            const remainder4 = bars4 * 1920 - totalTicks;
+            const bars3 = Math.ceil(totalTicks / 1440);
+            const remainder3 = bars3 * 1440 - totalTicks;
+            if (remainder3 < remainder4) return { numerator: 3, denominator: 4 };
+            if (remainder4 < remainder3) return { numerator: 4, denominator: 4 };
+            return bars3 <= bars4 ? { numerator: 3, denominator: 4 } : { numerator: 4, denominator: 4 };
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 /**
  * Voice a figure bar: assign each cycle position (root/third/fifth/octave)
  * to a string with a valid fret, bass string lowest. Returns per-slot
  * {stringIndex, fret, midi} or null when impossible with the allowed strings.
+ * When `bassOverridePc` is given, the bass (cycle position 0) uses that pitch
+ * class instead of the root (alternating bass).
  */
 function voiceBar(
     tuning: Tuning,
     chord: ChordTone[],
     pattern: GiulianiPattern,
     allowedStrings: number[],
+    bassOverridePc?: number,
 ): { stringIndex: number; fret: number; midi: number }[] | null {
     const figure = FIGURES[pattern];
     const maxVoice = Math.max(...figure) + 1; // e.g. 3 for p-i-m, 4 for p-i-m-a
-    const bassPc = chord[0].pc;
+    const bassPc = bassOverridePc ?? chord[0].pc;
 
     // Candidate strings sorted low→high for the bass; upper voices fill above.
     const strings = tuning.strings.map((open, idx) => ({ open, idx }));
     const sorted = [...strings].sort((a, b) => a.open - b.open);
     const usable = sorted.filter(s => allowedStrings.length === 0 || allowedStrings.includes(s.idx));
 
-    const octavePcs = [...chord.map(c => c.pc), (chord[0].pc + 12) % 12];
+    // cyclePcs[i] = pitch class of cycle position i (0 = bass, 1..3 = upper
-    // cyclePcs[i] = pitch class of cycle position i
+    // chord tones: third, fifth, octave-of-root).
-    const cyclePcs = octavePcs;
+    const cyclePcs = [...chord.map(c => c.pc), (chord[0].pc + 12) % 12];
+    if (bassOverridePc !== undefined) cyclePcs[0] = bassOverridePc;
 
     const bassCandidates = usable.filter(s => {
-        // bass must be able to reach the root within 12 frets
+        // bass must be able to reach the bass pc within 12 frets
         for (let fret = 0; fret <= 12; fret++) {
             if (((s.open + fret) % 12 + 12) % 12 === bassPc) return true;
         }
@@ -188,13 +234,23 @@ export function generateGiulianiStudy(
     }
 
     // Voice each bar; drop bars that cannot be voiced (rare with full pool).
-    const full = config.meter.numerator * PPQ;
+    const figure = FIGURES[config.pattern];
+    // Meter is ALWAYS auto-derived from the figure length; the user no longer
+    // picks a meter for Giuliani studies.
+    const meter = autoGiulianiMeter(figure.length);
+    const full = meter.numerator * PPQ;
     const events: ScoreEvent[] = [];
     const chordSymbols: (string | null)[] = [];
     const usableBars: { degreeIndex: number; placement: ReturnType<typeof voiceBar> }[] = [];
-    for (const di of degreeIndices) {
+    for (let b = 0; b < degreeIndices.length; b++) {
+        const di = degreeIndices[b];
         const chord = triadPcs(key, di);
-        const placement = voiceBar(tuning, chord, config.pattern, config.allowedStrings as number[]);
+        // Alternating bass: even bars (0-indexed) take the fifth degree as
+        // the bass note instead of the root.
+        const bassOverridePc = config.alternateBass && b % 2 === 0
+            ? chord[2].pc
+            : undefined;
+        const placement = voiceBar(tuning, chord, config.pattern, config.allowedStrings as number[], bassOverridePc);
         if (!placement) continue;
         usableBars.push({ degreeIndex: di, placement });
     }
@@ -202,39 +258,20 @@ export function generateGiulianiStudy(
         return { ok: false, error: 'No bar could be voiced with the current string selection — allow more strings or a lower fret window.' };
     }
 
-    // Rhythm: one note per slot (figure repeats); one figure per beat.
+    // Rhythm: ALWAYS eighths (240 ticks). Each bar holds
-    const figure = FIGURES[config.pattern];
+    // `notesPerBar = (bar length / 240)` notes; the figure repeats to fill
-    // Renderable note durations only (durationCode subset). Figures with a
+    // the bar. For 3- and 4-voice figures in their derived meter this is a
-    // length that divides neither 4 nor 3 evenly would produce exotic ticks
+    // whole number of repetitions; 5-voice figures in 4/4 leave a 720-tick
-    // (e.g. 96 = 32nd triplets) that the renderer can't spell — snap those
+    // rest at the bar end.
-    // combinations to a safe layout instead of crashing the renderer.
+    const notesPerBar = Math.floor((meter.numerator * PPQ) / 240);
-    const RENDERABLE_NOTE_TICKS = [120, 240, 360, 480, 720, 960];
+    const fillSlots = Math.floor(notesPerBar / figure.length) * figure.length;
-    let notesPerBar = config.meter.numerator * figure.length;
-    let noteDur = full / notesPerBar;
-    if (!RENDERABLE_NOTE_TICKS.includes(noteDur)) {
-        // Fall back: one figure per TWO beats (halves the notes per bar),
-        // then per bar, then quarters as last resort.
-        for (const div of [2, 3, 4]) {
-            const cand = full / div;
-            if (cand % figure.length === 0 && RENDERABLE_NOTE_TICKS.includes(cand / figure.length)) {
-                notesPerBar = div * figure.length;
-                noteDur = cand / figure.length;
-                break;
-            }
-        }
-        if (!RENDERABLE_NOTE_TICKS.includes(noteDur)) {
-            // Final fallback: quarter-note walk through the figure (cycling).
-            notesPerBar = config.meter.numerator;
-            noteDur = PPQ;
-        }
-    }
 
     let cursor = 0;
     for (let b = 0; b < usableBars.length; b++) {
         const { degreeIndex, placement } = usableBars[b];
-        if (!placement) continue;
+        if (!placement) continue; // filtered above, but satisfies strict TS
         chordSymbols.push(chordNameFor(key, degreeIndex));
-        for (let n = 0; n < notesPerBar; n++) {
+        for (let n = 0; n < fillSlots; n++) {
             const f = n % figure.length;
             const slot = figure[f];
             const note = placement[slot];
@@ -247,10 +284,24 @@ export function generateGiulianiStudy(
             events.push({
                 id: `g${b}-${n}`,
                 startTick: cursor,
-                durationTicks: noteDur,
+                durationTicks: 240,
                 pitch: { midi: note.midi, step: d.step, alter: d.alter, octave },
             });
-            cursor += noteDur;
+            cursor += 240;
+        }
+        // Rest fill for figure lengths that leave a gap (e.g. 5 voices in 4/4:
+        // one cycle = 1200 ticks, remaining 720 = dotted quarter rest).
+        const barStart = b * full;
+        const barEnd = barStart + full;
+        if (cursor < barEnd) {
+            const gap = barEnd - cursor;
+            events.push({
+                id: `gr${b}`,
+                startTick: cursor,
+                durationTicks: gap,
+                pitch: null,
+            });
+            cursor = barEnd;
         }
     }
 
@@ -259,7 +310,7 @@ export function generateGiulianiStudy(
         version: 1,
         id: `giuliani-${config.keyTonic}-${config.keyMode}-${config.pattern}-${config.bars}b-${config.seed}`,
         title: `Giuliani study — ${key.tonic} ${config.pattern} (${totalBars} bars)`,
-        meter: config.meter,
+        meter,
         key: { tonic: config.keyTonic, mode: config.keyMode, signature: key.signature },
         measures: Array.from({ length: totalBars }, (_, i) => ({
             number: i + 1,

src/styles/variables.css

@@ -59,24 +59,24 @@
 @media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
   :root {
     color-scheme: dark;
-    --color-bg: hsl(30, 20%, 10%);
+    --color-bg: hsl(220, 6%, 10%);
-    --color-surface: hsl(30, 20%, 15%);
+    --color-surface: hsl(220, 6%, 15%);
-    --color-text-main: hsl(30, 10%, 90%);
+    --color-text-main: hsl(220, 4%, 90%);
-    --color-text-muted: hsl(30, 10%, 60%);
+    --color-text-muted: hsl(220, 4%, 60%);
-    --color-primary: hsl(0, 0%, 90%);
+    --color-primary: hsl(220, 4%, 90%);
-    --color-primary-dark: hsl(0, 0%, 100%);
+    --color-primary-dark: hsl(220, 4%, 100%);
   }
 }
 
 /* Manual Dark Mode Override */
 html[data-theme="dark"] {
   color-scheme: dark;
-  --color-bg: hsl(30, 20%, 10%);
+  --color-bg: hsl(220, 6%, 10%);
-  --color-surface: hsl(30, 20%, 15%);
+  --color-surface: hsl(220, 6%, 15%);
-  --color-text-main: hsl(30, 10%, 90%);
+  --color-text-main: hsl(220, 4%, 90%);
-  --color-text-muted: hsl(30, 10%, 60%);
+  --color-text-muted: hsl(220, 4%, 60%);
-  --color-primary: hsl(0, 0%, 90%);
+  --color-primary: hsl(220, 4%, 90%);
-  --color-primary-dark: hsl(0, 0%, 100%);
+  --color-primary-dark: hsl(220, 4%, 100%);
 }
 
 /* Manual Light Mode Override */

src/types/SettingsTypes.ts

@@ -49,8 +49,6 @@ export interface PhraseSettings {
     material: PhraseMaterial;
     libraryId: string;
     /** Imported score id (the parsed score lives in component state, session-only). */
-    keyTonic: string;
-    keyMode: string; // ModeId
     bars: number; // 1–8 (melodies)
     meterNumerator: 3 | 4 | 6;
     rhythmLevel: 1 | 2 | 3;
@@ -61,19 +59,14 @@ export interface PhraseSettings {
     arpeggioDegree: string; // ArpeggioDegree (single-chord mode / sequence start)
     /** Sequence mode: which degrees may appear (empty = all 7). */
     arpeggioChordSelection: string[];
-    arpeggioPattern: 'up' | 'down' | 'updown' | '1235';
+    arpeggioPattern: 'up' | 'down' | 'updown' | '1235' | 'custom' | 'random';
     arpeggioCoverage: 'one-octave' | 'two-octave';
     /** Sequence mode: bars per exercise (1 = single chord). */
     arpeggioBars: number;
     arpeggioProgression: 'random' | 'functional' | 'diatonic-cycle';
-    arpeggioRhythm: 'quarters' | 'eighths';
     /** Giuliani study material (own category — voicing-enforced). */
-    giulianiPattern: 'pim' | 'pima' | 'pami' | 'aim' | 'pimamim' | 'pmamim';
+    giulianiPattern: 'pim' | 'pima' | 'pami' | 'aim' | 'pimamim' | 'pmamim' | 'piai' | 'pmami' | 'pimami' | 'pimaia' | 'pimai' | 'pmia' | 'pmim';
     giulianiBars: number;
-    /** Phrase-local fret window (guitar/bass) — overrides the note set. */
-    fretWindowEnabled: boolean;
-    fretMin: number;
-    fretMax: number;
     /** Practice range for library/import material (1-based, inclusive). */
     startBar: number;
     barCount: number;
@@ -87,13 +80,15 @@ export interface PhraseSettings {
     /** Begin the run as soon as the first note is played (no count-in,
      *  step pace only). */
     autoStartOnNote: boolean;
+    /** Custom arpeggio pattern as raw digits (1=root, 2=third, etc.). */
+    customArpeggioPattern?: string;
+    /** Alternating bass thumb for Giuliani studies. */
+    giulianiAlternateBass?: boolean;
 }
 
 export const DEFAULT_PHRASE_SETTINGS: PhraseSettings = {
     material: 'melody',
     libraryId: '',
-    keyTonic: 'C',
-    keyMode: 'major',
     bars: 2,
     meterNumerator: 4,
     rhythmLevel: 1,
@@ -106,12 +101,8 @@ export const DEFAULT_PHRASE_SETTINGS: PhraseSettings = {
     arpeggioCoverage: 'one-octave',
     arpeggioBars: 1,
     arpeggioProgression: 'functional',
-    arpeggioRhythm: 'quarters',
     giulianiPattern: 'pima',
     giulianiBars: 4,
-    fretWindowEnabled: false,
-    fretMin: 0,
-    fretMax: 4,
     startBar: 1,
     barCount: 2,
     pace: 'step',
@@ -120,6 +111,8 @@ export const DEFAULT_PHRASE_SETTINGS: PhraseSettings = {
     autoContinue: true,
     inputMode: 'mic',
     autoStartOnNote: false,
+    customArpeggioPattern: '',
+    giulianiAlternateBass: false,
 };
 
 export function getPhraseSettings(s: AppSettings): PhraseSettings {
@@ -141,7 +134,7 @@ export interface AppSettings {
     instrument: string;
     rhythm: RhythmSettings;
     zenMode: boolean;
-    gameMode: 'sight_reading' | 'ear_training' | 'phrase';
+    gameMode: 'sight_reading' | 'ear_training' | 'phrase' | 'assist';
     customMinFret?: number;
     customMaxFret?: number;
     autoPlaySightReading?: boolean;