Assist: drop flickering hint paragraph; center tuner in its frame

The 'Play a note' paragraph toggled with every detection gap and shifted
the layout — removed (incl. unused .assist-hint rule). TuningMeter is a
fixed-width 260px block; the tuner tool's body row now centers it.

TOOLS_LOCAL.md

@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
-# Local deployment (nyx server) — beta channel
-- Managed by Nyx; deploy script: `~/deploy/smt-beta.sh [branch]` (fetch, build, docker rebuild, restart)
-- Container: `smt-beta` (nginx:alpine, 127.0.0.1:8081), image `smt-beta-image`
-- Tailnet URL: http://nyx-rg3jpx6w.internal.0jm.de/ (tailscale serve → 8081)
+# Local deployment (nyx server) — beta channel (tracks main = production state by default)
+- Managed by Nyx; deploy script: `~/deploy/smt-beta.sh [branch]` (fetch, build, docker rebuild, restart; **default branch: main**)
+- Container: `smt-beta` (nginx:alpine, 127.0.0.1:8081 **and** tailnet IP 100.64.0.4:8081), image `smt-beta-image`
+- Tailnet URLs:
+  - http://nyx-rg3jpx6w.internal.0jm.de/ (tailscale serve → 8081; needs MagicDNS; Chrome history may autocomplete a broken https:// variant — delete it from history)
+  - **http://100.64.0.4:8081/ (preferred: Chrome never HTTPS-upgrades IP:port URLs, no MagicDNS needed)**
 - Note: `tailscale serve --https` not available on this tailnet (feature not enabled); plain HTTP inside tailnet only

src/App.css

@@ -1040,30 +1040,54 @@ button {
 }
 
 .phrase-setup {
-    margin-top: 16px;
-    border-top: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 12%, transparent);
-    padding-top: 12px;
+    margin-bottom: 16px;
+    border: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 18%, transparent);
+    border-radius: 10px;
+    background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 4%, transparent);
 }
 
 .phrase-setup summary {
     display: flex;
     align-items: center;
-    gap: 6px;
+    gap: 8px;
     cursor: pointer;
-    font-size: 13px;
-    color: var(--color-text-muted);
+    font-size: 15px;
+    font-weight: 600;
+    color: var(--color-text-main);
+    padding: 12px 14px;
     user-select: none;
+    list-style: none;
+    border-radius: 10px;
+    transition: background 0.15s ease;
+}
+
+/* Hide the default disclosure triangle — the chevron icon does the job */
+.phrase-setup summary::-webkit-details-marker {
+    display: none;
 }
 
 .phrase-setup summary:hover {
-    color: var(--color-text-main);
+    background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 7%, transparent);
+}
+
+.phrase-setup[open] summary {
+    border-bottom: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 12%, transparent);
+    border-radius: 10px 10px 0 0;
+}
+
+.phrase-setup summary svg {
+    transition: transform 0.15s ease;
+}
+
+.phrase-setup[open] summary svg {
+    transform: rotate(180deg);
 }
 
 .phrase-setup-grid {
     display: grid;
     grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(130px, 1fr));
     gap: 10px 14px;
-    margin-top: 12px;
+    padding: 12px 14px 14px;
 }
 
 .phrase-setup-grid label {
@@ -1126,3 +1150,76 @@ 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;
+}
+
+/* ---- 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);
-      // global shortcuts must not double-fire or block them.
-      if (onInteractive) return;
-
-      // Prevent default for space to stop scrolling
-      if (e.code === 'Space') {
+      // Prevent default for space to stop scrolling (Space on a focused
+      // button activates it natively — preventDefault only applies when the
+      // focus is on the body, where the shortcut below takes over).
+      if (e.code === 'Space' && !(target instanceof HTMLButtonElement)) {
         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' }));
       }
     };
@@ -244,11 +277,19 @@ function App() {
 
           <div className="header-controls">
             <div className="game-mode-toggle">
+              <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>
               <button
                 className={`toggle-option ${settings.gameMode === 'sight_reading' ? 'active' : ''}`}
                 onClick={() => setSettings(s => ({ ...s, gameMode: 'sight_reading' }))}
+                title="Learn to read notes from the staff"
               >
-                Sight Reading
+                Learn Notes
               </button>
               <button
                 className={`toggle-option ${settings.gameMode === 'ear_training' ? 'active' : ''}`}
@@ -305,6 +346,11 @@ function App() {
             micError={error}
             windowWidth={windowWidth}
           />
+        ) : isAssist ? (
+          <AssistMode
+            pitchData={displayedPitch}
+            windowWidth={windowWidth}
+          />
         ) : (
           <SingleNoteTrainer
             ref={singleNoteRef}
@@ -328,13 +374,17 @@ function App() {
                 {listening ? <Mic size={28} /> : <MicOff size={28} />}
               </button>
 
-              <LiveNoteStaff
-                midi={displayedPitch ? displayedPitch.midi : null}
-                transpose={resolveClefTranspose(currentInstrumentDef, settings.difficulty).transpose}
-                keySignature={settings.keySignature}
-                clef={currentInstrumentDef.clefMode === 'treble' ? 'treble' : currentInstrumentDef.clefMode === 'bass' ? 'bass' : undefined}
-                theme={settings.theme}
-              />
+              {/* Live staff omitted in Assist mode: the Assist card already
+                  shows the played note large above the fretboard. */}
+              {!isAssist && (
+                <LiveNoteStaff
+                  midi={displayedPitch ? displayedPitch.midi : null}
+                  transpose={resolveClefTranspose(currentInstrumentDef, settings.difficulty).transpose}
+                  keySignature={settings.keySignature}
+                  clef={currentInstrumentDef.clefMode === 'treble' ? 'treble' : currentInstrumentDef.clefMode === 'bass' ? 'bass' : undefined}
+                  theme={settings.theme}
+                />
+              )}
               <div className={`pitch-readout ${displayedPitch ? 'active' : ''}`}>
                 {displayedPitch ? (
                   <>
@@ -391,6 +441,7 @@ 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 +1,102 @@
+/**
+ * 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);
+
+    const { clef, transpose } = useMemo(() =>
+        resolveClefTranspose(currentInstrumentDef, settings.difficulty),
+    [currentInstrumentDef, settings.difficulty]);
+
+    // 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]);
+
+    // Full written range of the currently configured pool (strings × frets,
+    // respecting the same filter as the position markers). The staff box is
+    // sized to fit it, so notes render at their TRUE written position with
+    // real ledger lines — no 8va/8vb octave shifting.
+    const range = useMemo(() => {
+        if (!fretted || !currentTuning) return undefined;
+        const strings = pf.strings.length > 0
+            ? currentTuning.strings.filter((_, i) => pf.strings.includes(i))
+            : currentTuning.strings;
+        if (strings.length === 0) return undefined;
+        const lo = pf.fretWindowEnabled ? Math.max(0, pf.fretMin) : 0;
+        const hi = pf.fretWindowEnabled ? Math.min(24, pf.fretMax) : 24;
+        return {
+            min: Math.min(...strings) + lo + transpose,
+            max: Math.max(...strings) + hi + transpose,
+        };
+    }, [fretted, currentTuning, pf.strings, pf.fretWindowEnabled, pf.fretMin, pf.fretMax, transpose]);
+
+    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)}
+                    height={88}
+                    range={range}
+                    theme={settings.theme}
+                />
+            </div>
+
+            {fretted && currentTuning && (
+                <div className="assist-fretboard">
+                    <Fretboard
+                        tuning={currentTuning}
+                        positions={positions}
+                        maxFrets={15}
+                        showHints={true}
+                        interactive={false}
+                        displayTranspose={transpose}
+                    />
+                </div>
+            )}
+        </div>
+    );
+};

src/components/Controls.tsx

@@ -1,14 +1,11 @@
 import React, { useEffect, useState } from 'react';
-import { Guitar, Music, Gauge } from 'lucide-react';
-import { TUNINGS, INSTRUMENT_TUNINGS } from '../music/Tunings';
-import { INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS } from '../music/InstrumentConfigs';
-
+import { Gauge, SlidersHorizontal } from 'lucide-react';
 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>) => {
-        onUpdateSettings({ ...settings, tuningId: e.target.value });
-    };
-
-    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
-        });
-    };
+    // Note-filter panel: hidden by default (minimal UI), toggled here.
+    const [filtersOpen, setFiltersOpen] = useState(false);
 
     const updateRhythm = (updates: Partial<RhythmSettings>) => {
         onUpdateSettings({
@@ -55,101 +30,46 @@ 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) */}
-            <div className="settings-grid">
-                {/* Row 1, Col 1 */}
-                <div className="control-group">
-                    <label className="control-label">
-                        <Music size={18} />
-                        <span>Instrument</span>
-                    </label>
-                    <select
-                        value={settings.instrument}
-                        onChange={handleInstrumentChange}
-                        className="control-select"
-                    >
-                        {Object.values(INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS).map(def => (
-                            <option key={def.id} value={def.id}>{def.displayName}</option>
-                        ))}
-                    </select>
-                </div>
-
-                {/* Row 1, Col 2 (Conditional) */}
-                {currentInstrumentDef.showTuning ? (
-                    <div className="control-group">
-                        <label className="control-label">
-                            <Guitar size={18} />
-                            <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>
-                )}
-
+            {/* Note filter: collapsed behind a button — visible only when needed */}
+            {showFilterButton && (
+            <div style={{ display: 'flex', justifyContent: 'center', marginBottom: '8px' }}>
+                <button
+                    className={`hint-button ${filtersOpen ? 'active' : ''}`}
+                    onClick={() => setFiltersOpen(o => !o)}
+                    title="Limit the notes used for exercises (key, strings, fret window)"
+                >
+                    <SlidersHorizontal size={16} />
+                    Filter
+                    {activeFilterCount > 0 && (
+                        <span style={{
+                            display: 'inline-block', minWidth: '18px', padding: '1px 5px',
+                            marginLeft: '4px', borderRadius: '9px', fontSize: '11px',
+                            background: 'var(--color-primary)', color: 'var(--color-surface)',
+                            fontWeight: 600, textAlign: 'center'
+                        }}>{activeFilterCount}</span>
+                    )}
+                </button>
             </div>
+            )}
+            {shouldShowFilters && <TargetNoteControls />}
 
-            {/* Target-note filter: unified controls, all modes */}
-            <TargetNoteControls />
-
-            {/* Bottom Section: Tools Grid (2 Columns now) */}
-            <div className="tools-grid" style={inPhraseMode ? { gridTemplateColumns: '1fr' } : undefined}>
+            {/* Bottom Section: Tools Grid (stacked in all modes) */}
+            <div className="tools-grid" style={{ gridTemplateColumns: '1fr' }}>
                 {/* Tool 1: Tuner */}
                 <div style={{ display: 'flex', flexDirection: 'column', gap: '8px', border: '1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.2)', padding: '12px', borderRadius: '8px' }}>
                     <div style={{ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'space-between' }}>
@@ -166,7 +86,7 @@ export const Controls: React.FC<ControlsProps> = ({ currentPitch }) => {
                         </button>
                     </div>
                     {settings.showTuningMeter && (
-                        <div style={{ paddingTop: '8px', borderTop: '1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 10%, transparent)' }}>
+                        <div style={{ paddingTop: '8px', borderTop: '1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-text-main) 10%, transparent)', display: 'flex', justifyContent: 'center' }}>
                             <TuningMeter
                                 cents={currentPitch ? currentPitch.cents : null}
                                 noteName={currentPitch ? currentPitch.note : null}

src/components/LiveNoteStaff.tsx

@@ -21,14 +21,45 @@ interface LiveNoteStaffProps {
      *  clef auto-switches treble/bass around middle C (piano-style). */
     clef?: 'treble' | 'bass';
     width?: number;
+    /** Box height. 64px matches the mic bar; larger boxes (e.g. 88px in
+     *  Assist mode) give ledger lines room inside instead of being clipped
+     *  by the parent's overflow: hidden. Ignored when `range` is set. */
+    height?: number;
+    /** Written-pitch range the box must fit WITHOUT octave shifting.
+     *  When set, notes render at their true staff position with real ledger
+     *  lines (no 8va/8vb marker) and the box height is computed from the
+     *  range so every note in it stays inside the box. */
+    range?: { min: number; max: number };
     theme?: 'light' | 'dark' | 'auto';
 }
 
 const BOX_H = 64;   // mic button height — vertical centering via the bar
 // VexFlow draws the first stave line ~40.5px BELOW the constructor y
-// (default space_above_staff_ln = 4 line-spaces). To center a 38px staff in
-// the 64px box the constructor y must be negative.
-const STAVE_Y = -28;
+// (default space_above_staff_ln = 4 line-spaces). To center the ~38px staff
+// in a box of height h the constructor y must be negative. For h = 64 this
+// yields -27.5 ≈ -28 (the original hardcoded value).
+const staveYFor = (h: number) => (h - 38) / 2 - 40.5;
+
+// Diatonic index (C0 = 0, one step per letter name) for ledger-line math.
+const DI_STEP = [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11];
+const diFromMidi = (m: number) => Math.floor(m / 12 - 1) * 7 + DI_STEP[m % 12];
+// Top/bottom staff-line diatonic index per clef (treble F5/E4, bass A3/G2).
+const CLEF_LINES: Record<'treble' | 'bass', { top: number; bottom: number }> = {
+    treble: { top: 38, bottom: 30 },
+    bass: { top: 26, bottom: 18 },
+};
+// One diatonic step = half a staff space = 5px (standard 10px spaces).
+// Box that fits a whole written range: staff anchored below the top
+// headroom so the highest note has room for its ledger lines, lowest note
+// the same at the bottom.
+const rangeLayout = (range: { min: number; max: number }, clef: 'treble' | 'bass') => {
+    const lines = CLEF_LINES[clef];
+    const aboveLines = Math.max(0, Math.ceil((diFromMidi(range.max) - lines.top) / 2));
+    const belowLines = Math.max(0, Math.ceil((lines.bottom - diFromMidi(range.min)) / 2));
+    const abovePx = aboveLines * 10 + 10;   // + notehead margin
+    const belowPx = belowLines * 10 + 10;
+    return { height: abovePx + 38 + belowPx, y: abovePx - 40.5 };
+};
 
 export const LiveNoteStaff: React.FC<LiveNoteStaffProps> = ({
     midi,
@@ -36,9 +67,18 @@ export const LiveNoteStaff: React.FC<LiveNoteStaffProps> = ({
     keySignature = 'C',
     clef: clefOverride,
     width = 130,
+    height = BOX_H,
+    range,
     theme = 'auto',
 }) => {
     const containerRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);
+
+    // Box geometry: range-fit wins over the fixed height prop.
+    const fit = range
+        ? rangeLayout(range, clefOverride ?? 'treble')
+        : { height, y: staveYFor(height) };
+    const boxH = fit.height;
+    const staveY = fit.y;
     const [schemeVersion, setSchemeVersion] = useState(0);
     useEffect(() => {
         const mq = window.matchMedia('(prefers-color-scheme: dark)');
@@ -53,7 +93,7 @@ export const LiveNoteStaff: React.FC<LiveNoteStaffProps> = ({
         container.innerHTML = '';
 
         const renderer = new Renderer(container, Renderer.Backends.SVG);
-        renderer.resize(width, BOX_H);
+        renderer.resize(width, boxH);
         const context = renderer.getContext();
 
         const resolvedColor =
@@ -63,7 +103,7 @@ export const LiveNoteStaff: React.FC<LiveNoteStaffProps> = ({
         context.setFillStyle(resolvedColor);
         context.setStrokeStyle(resolvedColor);
 
-        const stave = new Stave(0, STAVE_Y, width - 2);
+        const stave = new Stave(0, staveY, width - 2);
         stave.setDefaultLedgerLineStyle({ strokeStyle: resolvedColor, lineWidth: 2 });
         const written0 = midi !== null ? midi + transpose : null;
         // Instrument-fixed clef when provided (guitar always treble, bass
@@ -79,13 +119,17 @@ export const LiveNoteStaff: React.FC<LiveNoteStaffProps> = ({
             //   treble: staff E4..F5 (+ up to two ledger lines each way)
             //   bass:   staff G2..A3 (+ up to two ledger lines each way)
             let written = written0!;
+            // Range-fit mode renders the TRUE written position with real
+            // ledger lines — no 8va/8vb shifting.
             let octaveMark: '8va' | '8vb' | null = null;
-            if (clef === 'treble') {
-                while (written < 58) { written += 12; octaveMark = '8vb'; }
-                while (written > 81) { written -= 12; octaveMark = '8va'; }
-            } else {
-                while (written < 40) { written += 12; octaveMark = '8vb'; }
-                while (written > 61) { written -= 12; octaveMark = '8va'; }
+            if (!range) {
+                if (clef === 'treble') {
+                    while (written < 58) { written += 12; octaveMark = '8vb'; }
+                    while (written > 81) { written -= 12; octaveMark = '8va'; }
+                } else {
+                    while (written < 40) { written += 12; octaveMark = '8vb'; }
+                    while (written > 61) { written -= 12; octaveMark = '8va'; }
+                }
             }
 
             const spec = getNoteInKey(written, keySignature);
@@ -113,13 +157,13 @@ export const LiveNoteStaff: React.FC<LiveNoteStaffProps> = ({
             new Formatter().joinVoices([voice]).format([voice], width - 40);
             voice.draw(context, stave);
         }
-    }, [midi, transpose, keySignature, clefOverride, width, theme, schemeVersion]);
+    }, [midi, transpose, keySignature, clefOverride, width, boxH, staveY, range, theme, schemeVersion]);
 
     return (
         <div
             ref={containerRef}
             className="live-note-staff"
-            style={{ width, height: BOX_H }}
+            style={{ width, height: boxH }}
             role="img"
             aria-label={midi !== null ? 'Currently played note' : 'No note currently detected'}
         />

src/components/MetronomeWidget.tsx

@@ -55,13 +55,22 @@ export const MetronomeWidget: React.FC<MetronomeWidgetProps> = ({
 
     const isSync = syncMode === 'option' && !!rhythm.syncToExercise;
     const runActive = gate === true;
+    // Phrase mode (syncMode 'option') has no on/off switch — the sync
+    // checkbox replaces it (unchecked = free metronome, checked = synced to
+    // the exercise), so the metronome is always armed there. Gating on
+    // rhythm.active would leave phrase users with no way to enable clicks.
+    const armed = syncMode === 'option' ? true : rhythm.active;
     // Sync: pendulum/click only while the run is active (the run's scheduler
     // is the click source; the widget's own scheduler stays off).
     // Free/plain: the widget's own scheduler runs whenever armed.
-    const running = isSync ? runActive : rhythm.active;
+    const running = isSync ? runActive : armed;
+
+    // Timer mode = one beat per N seconds: effective BPM 60/seconds so
+    // clicks and pendulum match the trainer's auto-advance cadence.
+    const effectiveBpm = rhythm.mode === 'bpm' ? rhythm.bpm : 60 / Math.max(1, rhythm.seconds);
 
     const { restart } = useMetronome({
-        bpm: rhythm.bpm,
+        bpm: effectiveBpm,
         volume: rhythm.sound ? rhythm.volume : 0,
         playing: running && !isSync,
         onTick: handleTick,
@@ -77,8 +86,7 @@ export const MetronomeWidget: React.FC<MetronomeWidgetProps> = ({
         });
     }, [isSync, runActive]);
 
-    const beatMs = 60000 / Math.max(1, rhythm.bpm);
-    const armed = rhythm.active;
+    const beatMs = 60000 / Math.max(1, effectiveBpm);
 
     return (
         <div style={{ display: 'flex', flexDirection: 'column', gap: '8px' }}>

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
-        // practice filter so all modes expose identical key/fret-window state.
+        // Unified target-note controls: Phrase Mode reads the shared practice
+        // 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).
@@ -88,26 +85,17 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
         const pace: PhraseSettings['pace'] = settings.rhythm.syncToExercise ? 'tempo' : 'step';
         phrase.pace = pace;
         // Click decision — ONE source: the metronome widget's sound checkbox.
-        // - Sync (tempo): run clicks when armed && sound (count-in incl.);
-        //   widget silent while idle.
-        // - Free metronome: widget clicks freely; the run stays silent to
-        //   avoid doubling (sync off in tempo = free widget during runs).
-        phrase.clickSound = pace === 'tempo'
-            ? settings.rhythm.active && settings.rhythm.sound
-            : settings.rhythm.active && settings.rhythm.sound && !settings.rhythm.syncToExercise;
+        // Phrase mode has no metronome on/off switch (the sync checkbox
+        // replaces it, see MetronomeWidget), so rhythm.active must NOT gate
+        // clicks here — with the default active:false a synced run would
+        // stay silent with no way to fix it from this mode.
+        // - Sync (tempo): run clicks when sound is on (count-in included);
+        //   the widget stays silent while idle.
+        // - Free metronome (step): the widget clicks freely; the run stays
+        //   silent to avoid doubling.
+        phrase.clickSound = settings.rhythm.sound;
         const setPhrase = useCallback((updates: Partial<PhraseSettings>) => {
-            updateSettings(s => {
-                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(s => ({ ...s, phrase: { ...getPhraseSettings(s), ...updates } }));
         }, [updateSettings]);
         const currentInstrumentDef = INSTRUMENT_DEFINITIONS[settings.instrument];
         const currentTuning = TUNINGS[settings.tuningId];
@@ -140,7 +128,6 @@ 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 +160,8 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
         const baseScore: Result<Score> | null = useMemo(() => {
             if (phrase.material === 'melody') {
                 const result = generateMelody({
-                    keyTonic: phrase.keyTonic,
-                    keyMode: (isMode(phrase.keyMode) ? phrase.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
+                    keyTonic: pf.keyTonic,
+                    keyMode: (isMode(pf.keyMode) ? pf.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
                     bars: phrase.bars,
                     meter: { numerator: phrase.meterNumerator, denominator: 4 },
                     rhythmLevel: phrase.rhythmLevel,
@@ -184,8 +171,8 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
             }
             if (phrase.material === 'scale') {
                 return generateScaleDrill({
-                    keyTonic: phrase.keyTonic,
-                    keyMode: (isMode(phrase.keyMode) ? phrase.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
+                    keyTonic: pf.keyTonic,
+                    keyMode: (isMode(pf.keyMode) ? pf.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
                     direction: phrase.scaleDirection,
                     coverage: phrase.scaleCoverage,
                     meter: { numerator: phrase.meterNumerator, denominator: 4 },
@@ -196,8 +183,8 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                 // 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,
-                    keyMode: (isMode(phrase.keyMode) ? phrase.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
+                    keyTonic: pf.keyTonic,
+                    keyMode: (isMode(pf.keyMode) ? pf.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
                     pattern: phrase.giulianiPattern,
                     tuningId: settings.tuningId,
                     bars: phrase.giulianiBars,
@@ -209,8 +196,8 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
             }
             if (phrase.material === 'arpeggio') {
                 return generateArpeggio({
-                    keyTonic: phrase.keyTonic,
-                    keyMode: (isMode(phrase.keyMode) ? phrase.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
+                    keyTonic: pf.keyTonic,
+                    keyMode: (isMode(pf.keyMode) ? pf.keyMode : 'major') as ModeId,
                     degree: (phrase.arpeggioDegree as ArpeggioDegree) || 'I',
                     pattern: phrase.arpeggioPattern,
                     coverage: phrase.arpeggioCoverage,
@@ -231,7 +218,7 @@ 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,
@@ -323,9 +310,7 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
         }, [scoreOk, fixedMaterial, pool, fullScore]);
 
         const nextAction = useCallback(() => {
-            if (phrase.material === 'melody' || (phrase.material === 'arpeggio' && phrase.arpeggioBars > 1)) {
-                setMelodySeed(s => (s + 1) % 999983);
-            } else if (fixedMaterial && scoreOk) {
+            if (fixedMaterial && scoreOk) {
                 const total = fullScore!.value.measures.length;
                 const nextStart = phrase.startBar + phrase.barCount;
                 if (nextStart > total) {
@@ -333,6 +318,12 @@ 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]);
 
@@ -340,6 +331,7 @@ 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(),
@@ -349,17 +341,22 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
         // ---- Hints --------------------------------------------------------------
         const activeScore = trainer.activeScore;
         const events = scoreEvents(activeScore);
-        const currentMidi = trainer.currentIdx >= 0 && events[trainer.currentIdx]?.pitch
-            ? events[trainer.currentIdx]!.pitch!.midi
+        // While previewing, the hint instruments follow the preview cursor so
+        // 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) {
-                return positionsWithinWindow(currentMidi, currentTuning, phrase.fretMin, phrase.fretMax);
+            if (pf.fretWindowEnabled) {
+                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) {
@@ -380,7 +377,8 @@ 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') {
@@ -399,12 +397,13 @@ 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]);
 
@@ -452,118 +451,8 @@ export const PhraseTrainer = forwardRef<PhraseHandle, PhraseTrainerProps>(
                     </span>
                 </div>
 
-                <div className="sheet-music-container">
-                    {scoreOk ? (
-                        <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 */}
+                {/* Setup panel — above the notation, holds material options
+                    plus the shared note filter (key/strings/fret window) */}
                 {!settings.zenMode && (
                     <details className="phrase-setup">
                         <summary><ChevronDown size={16} /> Setup</summary>
@@ -579,12 +468,6 @@ 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
@@ -799,12 +682,6 @@ 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). */}
@@ -816,11 +693,6 @@ 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"
@@ -839,15 +711,168 @@ 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">
@@ -878,7 +903,7 @@ 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/SingleNoteTrainer.tsx

@@ -149,38 +149,57 @@ export const SingleNoteTrainer = forwardRef<SingleNoteHandle, SingleNoteTrainerP
                 )}
 
                 {!settings.zenMode && (
-                    <div className="action-row" style={{ marginTop: '24px', display: 'flex', justifyContent: 'center', gap: '16px' }}>
-                        {currentInstrumentDef.showTuning && (
+                    <>
+                        {/* Display toggles — switch style (like phrase mode):
+                            pure show/hide, no trainer actions. */}
+                        <div className="display-toggles" style={{ marginTop: '24px' }}>
+                            {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>
+
+                        <div className="action-row" style={{ marginTop: '16px', display: 'flex', justifyContent: 'center', gap: '16px' }}>
                             <button
-                                className={`hint-button ${settings.showFretboard ? 'active' : ''}`}
-                                onClick={() => setSettings(s => ({ ...s, showFretboard: !s.showFretboard }))}
-                                title={`Toggle Virtual ${currentInstrumentDef.displayName} (Keyboard Shortcut: V)`}
+                                className="hint-button"
+                                onClick={() => playNote(targetMidi, settings.referenceNoteDuration ?? 1.5, settings.autoPlayVolume ?? 0.5)}
+                                title="Keyboard Shortcut: P or R"
                             >
-                                <Guitar size={18} />
-                                {currentInstrumentDef.id === 'piano' ? 'Piano' : 'Guitar'}
+                                <Volume2 size={18} />
+                                Play Note
                             </button>
-                        )}
-                        <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>
-                        <button
-                            className="hint-button"
-                            onClick={() => playNote(targetMidi, settings.referenceNoteDuration ?? 1.5, settings.autoPlayVolume ?? 0.5)}
-                            title="Keyboard Shortcut: P or R"
-                        >
-                            <Volume2 size={18} />
-                            Play Note
-                        </button>
-                        <button className="skip-button" onClick={() => generateNewNote()} title="Keyboard Shortcut: Space">
-                            <SkipForward size={18} />
-                            Skip Note
-                        </button>
-                    </div>
+                            <button className="skip-button" onClick={() => generateNewNote()} title="Keyboard Shortcut: Space">
+                                <SkipForward size={18} />
+                                Skip Note
+                            </button>
+                        </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
- * (mirrored into phrase settings), so state stays consistent across modes.
+ * In Phrase Mode the Key section binds to the generator key (tonic+mode are
+ * 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 */}
@@ -108,15 +113,17 @@ export const TargetNoteControls: React.FC = () => {
                         <Key size={18} />
                         <span>Key</span>
                     </label>
-                    <button
-                        className={`switch-button ${pf.keyEnabled ? 'active' : ''}`}
-                        onClick={() => setFilter({ keyEnabled: !pf.keyEnabled })}
-                        title={pf.keyEnabled ? 'Limit to key: on' : 'Limit to key: off'}
-                    >
-                        <div className="switch-thumb" />
-                    </button>
+                    {!inPhraseMode && (
+                        <button
+                            className={`switch-button ${pf.keyEnabled ? 'active' : ''}`}
+                            onClick={() => setFilter({ keyEnabled: !pf.keyEnabled })}
+                            title={pf.keyEnabled ? 'Limit to key: on' : 'Limit to key: off'}
+                        >
+                            <div className="switch-thumb" />
+                        </button>
+                    )}
                 </div>
-                {pf.keyEnabled && (
+                {(pf.keyEnabled || inPhraseMode) && (
                     <>
                         <div style={{ display: 'flex', gap: '8px', marginTop: '8px' }}>
                             <select
@@ -140,23 +147,25 @@ export const TargetNoteControls: React.FC = () => {
                                 ))}
                             </select>
                         </div>
-                        <label style={{ fontSize: '11px', display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: '6px', marginTop: '6px', opacity: 0.85 }}>
-                            <input
-                                type="checkbox"
-                                checked={settings.keyFollowsTarget ?? false}
-                                onChange={e => updateSettings(s => {
-                                    const next = { ...s, keyFollowsTarget: e.target.checked };
-                                    // When enabling sync, snap the display signature now.
-                                    if (e.target.checked) {
-                                        const table = pf.keyMode === 'minor' ? MINOR_TONIC_TO_SIGNATURE : MAJOR_TONIC_TO_SIGNATURE;
-                                        const sig = table[pf.keyTonic];
-                                        if (sig) next.keySignature = sig;
-                                    }
-                                    return next;
-                                })}
-                            />
-                            Sync display key signature with target key
-                        </label>
+                        {!inPhraseMode && (
+                            <label style={{ fontSize: '11px', display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: '6px', marginTop: '6px', opacity: 0.85 }}>
+                                <input
+                                    type="checkbox"
+                                    checked={settings.keyFollowsTarget ?? false}
+                                    onChange={e => updateSettings(s => {
+                                        const next = { ...s, keyFollowsTarget: e.target.checked };
+                                        // When enabling sync, snap the display signature now.
+                                        if (e.target.checked) {
+                                            const table = pf.keyMode === 'minor' ? MINOR_TONIC_TO_SIGNATURE : MAJOR_TONIC_TO_SIGNATURE;
+                                            const sig = table[pf.keyTonic];
+                                            if (sig) next.keySignature = sig;
+                                        }
+                                        return next;
+                                    })}
+                                />
+                                Sync display key signature with target key
+                            </label>
+                        )}
                     </>
                 )}
             </div>

src/hooks/useGameLogic.ts

@@ -85,7 +85,11 @@ export const useGameLogic = (
 
     const { restart: restartMetronome } = useMetronome({
         bpm: effectiveBpm,
-        volume: settings.rhythm.sound ? settings.rhythm.volume : 0,
+        // Audible clicks come from the shared footer widget (Controls) in
+        // non-zen single-note modes — this scheduler is only the tick source
+        // for auto-advance. Sounding it here too doubles every beat. In zen
+        // mode the widget isn't rendered, so this scheduler IS the click.
+        volume: settings.zenMode && settings.rhythm.sound ? settings.rhythm.volume : 0,
         playing: settings.rhythm.active,
         onTick: handleTick
     });

src/hooks/useMetronome.ts

@@ -34,6 +34,8 @@ export function useMetronome({ bpm, volume, playing, onTick }: MetronomeOptions)
 
     const playClick = useCallback((time: number) => {
         if (!audioContext.current) return;
+        onTickRef.current(currentBeat.current);
+        if (volume <= 0) return; // silent tick source — no audio nodes needed
 
         const osc = audioContext.current.createOscillator();
         const gainNode = audioContext.current.createGain();

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(() => {
-        if (phaseRef.current === 'preview') {
-            audioEngine.cancelGroup(PREVIEW_GROUP);
-            if (previewTimerRef.current) { clearTimeout(previewTimerRef.current); previewTimerRef.current = null; }
-            setPhaseBoth('ready');
-            return;
-        }
-        pause();
-        runTokenRef.current++;
-        const token = runTokenRef.current;
+    /** Preview from event `fromIdx` to the end. A cursor interval mirrors
+      * playback time so the notation indicator follows the sounding note. */
+    const playPreviewFrom = useCallback((fromIdx: number, token: number) => {
         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 / PPQ);
+                const beats = Math.floor((totalTicks - startTick) / 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(() => {
-                if (runTokenRef.current === token) {
+
+            // Cursor: advance previewIdx by audio time (event start ticks).
+            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/styles/variables.css

@@ -59,24 +59,24 @@
 @media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
   :root {
     color-scheme: dark;
-    --color-bg: hsl(30, 20%, 10%);
-    --color-surface: hsl(30, 20%, 15%);
-    --color-text-main: hsl(30, 10%, 90%);
-    --color-text-muted: hsl(30, 10%, 60%);
-    --color-primary: hsl(0, 0%, 90%);
-    --color-primary-dark: hsl(0, 0%, 100%);
+    --color-bg: hsl(220, 6%, 10%);
+    --color-surface: hsl(220, 6%, 15%);
+    --color-text-main: hsl(220, 4%, 90%);
+    --color-text-muted: hsl(220, 4%, 60%);
+    --color-primary: hsl(220, 4%, 90%);
+    --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-surface: hsl(30, 20%, 15%);
-  --color-text-main: hsl(30, 10%, 90%);
-  --color-text-muted: hsl(30, 10%, 60%);
-  --color-primary: hsl(0, 0%, 90%);
-  --color-primary-dark: hsl(0, 0%, 100%);
+  --color-bg: hsl(220, 6%, 10%);
+  --color-surface: hsl(220, 6%, 15%);
+  --color-text-main: hsl(220, 4%, 90%);
+  --color-text-muted: hsl(220, 4%, 60%);
+  --color-primary: hsl(220, 4%, 90%);
+  --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;
@@ -69,10 +67,6 @@ export interface PhraseSettings {
     /** Giuliani study material (own category — voicing-enforced). */
     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;
@@ -95,8 +89,6 @@ export interface PhraseSettings {
 export const DEFAULT_PHRASE_SETTINGS: PhraseSettings = {
     material: 'melody',
     libraryId: '',
-    keyTonic: 'C',
-    keyMode: 'major',
     bars: 2,
     meterNumerator: 4,
     rhythmLevel: 1,
@@ -111,9 +103,6 @@ export const DEFAULT_PHRASE_SETTINGS: PhraseSettings = {
     arpeggioProgression: 'functional',
     giulianiPattern: 'pima',
     giulianiBars: 4,
-    fretWindowEnabled: false,
-    fretMin: 0,
-    fretMax: 4,
     startBar: 1,
     barCount: 2,
     pace: 'step',
@@ -145,7 +134,12 @@ export interface AppSettings {
     instrument: string;
     rhythm: RhythmSettings;
     zenMode: boolean;
-    gameMode: 'sight_reading' | 'ear_training' | 'phrase';
+    /**
+     * TODO: Rename 'sight_reading' to 'learn_notes' internally (UI label is
+     * already "Learn Notes"). Deferred because the value is persisted in
+     * localStorage — needs a settings migration for existing users.
+     */
+    gameMode: 'sight_reading' | 'ear_training' | 'phrase' | 'assist';
     customMinFret?: number;
     customMaxFret?: number;
     autoPlaySightReading?: boolean;