Chord Analyser

Overview

Chord Analyser is a mobile chord-reference and chart-writing app for Android and iOS. It is best suited to musicians who want to identify chords, compare playable positions and draft charts in one place. Its chord library and chart tools give it a useful range, though the free version's single-chart cap limits ongoing use.

Key features

Enter notes on the piano keyboard or fretboard to identify matching chords, or use the dictionary of more than 3,500 chords. Reverse lookup is useful when you know a set of notes but not its name. The app computes playable positions algorithmically, and its voicing explorer helps compare options across instruments; this is more practical than a reference that only supplies chord names.

The chart editor supports measures, subdivisions, repeats, time and key signatures, playback, automatic voicing and PDF export. That makes Chord Analyser a plausible choice for turning chord ideas into a shareable chart, not just looking up shapes. The free chart allowance is only one, however, so writers working on several pieces will need the full version.

Microphone recognition is an Android-only beta that identifies one chord at a time and may struggle on older phones. It is a tentative extra rather than a reliable deciding feature, and it is not an option for iOS users. The maker says real-time transcription is processed on-device without an internet connection. Google Play lists no data collected or shared with third parties for the app.

The supported instrument range includes piano, guitar, tenor banjo, 5-string banjo, ukulele, 7-string guitar, violin, viola, mandolin, 5-string mandolin and balalaïka. The full version adds eight instruments: 5-string banjo, ukulele, 7-string guitar, violin, viola, mandolin, 5-string mandolin and balalaïka. It also adds open tunings, MIDI input on instrument pages and in the chart editor, unlimited charts and chart transposition.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing, has no time limit or ads, and includes one chord chart and PDF export. It is a sensible starting point for chord lookup or occasional charting, but anyone keeping multiple charts will quickly hit its central limit. There is no free trial.

The Full version is a one-time payment, with the price set by the store. It removes the chart cap and adds the eight instruments, open tunings, MIDI input and chart transposition. It fits musicians who need those tools or maintain more than one chart; the free plan remains the better fit for reference use that does not require a chart library.

Platforms

Chord Analyser is available on Android and iOS. The microphone-recognition beta is Android-only, while MIDI input requires the full version. Support is provided by the maker, Nicolas Foudral, whose apps are described as a one-person project; the support contact is [email protected].

Who it's for

The maker positions the app for learners, composers, performers and musicians who play across instruments. Its combination of reverse chord lookup, playable positions and chart export particularly suits someone moving between learning a chord and writing it into a piece. It is less compelling for users seeking a progression generator, which it does not include, or dependable microphone recognition as a core feature.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Broad chord reference: More than 3,500 chords, reverse lookup and computed positions support both identifying a chord and finding ways to play it.
• Useful chart workflow: Playback, automatic voicing and PDF export give the editor more utility than a plain chord list.
• Free entry point without a time limit: The free plan has no ads and includes PDF export, making it viable for occasional use.
• On-device transcription: The maker says real-time audio processing does not need an internet connection.

Cons

• One chart on the free plan: This restricts anyone trying to build a collection without upgrading.
• Full-version price varies by store: It is a one-time payment, but the cost is not fixed here.
• Audio recognition is limited: It is an Android beta, handles one chord at a time and may struggle on older phones.
• No progression generator: Users wanting the app to generate progressions will need another tool.

Alternatives

Chord Finder Software is the broader category directory for comparing chord-finding options. Choose ChordU instead if you want a web option alongside Android and iOS, or its Premium uploads, MusicOnly mode and downloads for $5 a month. Chordio is an iOS and macOS alternative with built-in sounds, an on-screen keyboard and real-time MIDI chord detection in its free download.

ChordSequence is worth considering if unrestricted free use and WAV or MIDI export matter more than Chord Analyser's cross-instrument reference and chart tools: its features are free with no usage limit or paywall. OtoTheory may suit iOS users who want a free trial and a lifetime option, though its free plan limits local sketches to three and omits MIDI and audio export. SongEngine is a macOS and Windows option if a core plug-in with 60+ presets is the priority.

ChordProgressions.org offers a free in-browser studio, with JavaScript required for playback and editing. chords·lol is a free web reference with no account or signup. Chordify is another Android, iOS and web option, with a Basic plan priced at $2 a year.

Verdict

Choose Chord Analyser if you want a mobile chord dictionary that leads into playable positions and chart creation, especially across several instruments. Its strongest advantage is that lookup, voicing and PDF-ready chart work sit together. Look elsewhere if you need unlimited free charting, a progression generator or dependable audio recognition; the full version is the practical upgrade for chart makers, but its store-priced one-time cost is not fixed.