OtoTheory

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Score7.0

Rank#4 of 27

PriceFree

Free planYes

Free trialYes

Runs oniOS, Web

Summary

OtoTheory is a chord progression builder and music theory companion for guitar, bass, and keyboard players, songwriters, composers, self-learners, and DAW users. Its iOS app can identify chords, key, and song sections from imported audio or an on-device guitar or piano recording. Users can paste progressions from ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini for Roman numeral analysis and playback with grooves. The app lists 19 groove patterns and more than 50 progression presets, while OtoTheory AI suggests chords through musical feel, theory, and emotion. Pro exports MIDI in Groove, Groove + Theory, or Chords Only modes, with BPM, section markers, and chord names; the maker says those exports can be used with Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton, and other DAWs. The web version has a smaller feature set, and Pro is limited to iOS. The free iOS plan allows three local sketch saves but does not include MIDI or audio export. Pro is listed from $5.99/mo, with a 7-day trial; its annual plan is $49.99/year.

Who it is for

OtoTheory suits players learning or building chord progressions, as well as songwriters, composers, and DAW users. The web version may suit users who only need a subset of its features; Pro features are for iOS users.

What is good

Detects chords, key, and sections from recordings.
Includes 19 groove patterns and 50+ presets.
Accepts progressions pasted from several AI assistants.
Pro exports MIDI with BPM and section markers.
Offers a free iOS plan.

What to know first

Free plan limits users to three local saves.
Free plan does not allow MIDI or audio export.
Pro is iOS-only.
Web version has limited grooves and presets.

Verdict

OtoTheory combines progression building, song analysis, grooves, and MIDI export for musicians working with chords. The free tier is limited, while Pro adds exports and other features on iOS.

OtoTheory plans and pricing

All plans

Free Free iOS app · 3 local sketch saves · MIDI/audio export unavailable ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026

Lifetime $99.99 once One-time purchase iOS only · all Pro features forever · unlimited MIDI/audio export, saves, and iCloud sync ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026

Pro Not published Monthly or annually; annual plan is $49.99/year iOS only · 7-day free trial · unlimited MIDI/audio export · unlimited saves and iCloud sync · Pro-exclusive grooves ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026

Compared on chord finder software

Free plan: Yesototheory.com
Paid from: $5.99/moototheory.com
Reverse chord lookup: Yesototheory.com
Progression generator: Yesototheory.com
Voicing explorer: Yesototheory.com
Supported instruments: guitar, bass, keyboardototheory.com
Chord chart export: Yesototheory.com
Mobile apps: iosototheory.com
Chord audio playback: Yesototheory.com

Facts

Product: OtoTheory is a chord progression builder and music theory companion for guitar, bass, keyboard players, and DAW users.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
Song analysis: The iOS app detects chords, key, and song sections from imported audio or a guitar or piano recording on-device.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
AI chord import: Users can paste chord progressions from ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini for Roman numeral analysis and playback with grooves.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
Grooves and presets: OtoTheory lists 19 groove patterns and more than 50 chord progression presets.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
AI suggestions: OtoTheory AI suggests chords using three layers of musical understanding described as feel, theory, and emotion.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
MIDI export: Pro exports progressions in Groove, Groove + Theory, or Chords Only modes, with BPM, section markers, and chord names.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
DAW compatibility: The maker says MIDI exports can be used with Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton, and other DAWs.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
Web limits: The web version offers a subset of iOS features, with limited grooves and presets; Pro is iOS-only.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
Integrations: The iOS app offers optional iCloud sync for Pro, and exported MIDI can be transferred to a Mac with AirDrop.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
Privacy and security: The privacy policy says communications use HTTPS, iOS cloud sync uses Apple CloudKit’s encrypted infrastructure, and OtoTheory does not sell personal data.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
Data handling: Sketches are stored locally on the device or in the user’s iCloud account for Pro, while web sketches are stored in browser localStorage.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
Support: The support page lists [email protected] and says it typically responds within two business days, excluding weekends and holidays.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026
Intended users: The maker describes OtoTheory as intended for beginners, songwriters and composers, self-learners, and guitar, bass, and keyboard players.ototheory.com · 29 Sept 2026