Chord Analyser

Overview

Chord Analyser is a mobile tool for chord discovery and chart writing, best suited to musicians who want both in one app. Its breadth is strongest when you move between instruments; the free tier’s one-chart ceiling is the main constraint.

Key features

Enter notes on a piano keyboard or fretboard to identify a chord, or use the dictionary of more than 3,500 chords. Reverse lookup is useful when you know the notes but not the chord name. The app computes playable positions for selected chords, and its voicing explorer helps compare options rather than leaving you with a bare chord label.

The chart editor supports measures, subdivisions, repeats, time and key signatures, playback, automatic voicing and PDF export. That is a substantial step beyond a lookup reference: it can serve musicians who need to draft and share charts. The free edition allows one chart, however, so it is better for occasional use or evaluation than maintaining a catalogue.

Microphone recognition is an Android-only beta, handles one chord at a time and may struggle on older phones. Treat it as an experimental extra, not a dependable reason to choose the app; it is not an option on iOS. The maker says real-time audio transcription is processed on-device without an internet connection. Google Play lists no data collected or shared with third parties for the app.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing, has no time limit and no ads, and includes one chord chart plus PDF export. It is a sensible starting point for learning the lookup tools or producing a single chart, but the cap rules it out for regular chart writers.

The Full version is a one-time payment, with the price set by the app store. It adds eight instruments—5-string banjo, ukulele, 7-string guitar, violin, viola, mandolin, 5-string mandolin and balalaïka—as well as open tunings, MIDI input, unlimited charts and chart transposition. This is the more suitable choice for multi-instrument players, MIDI users and anyone building multiple charts; the trade-off is an upfront store-dependent price rather than a stated universal amount. There is no free trial.

Platforms

Chord Analyser is available on Android and iOS. MIDI input in the full version works on instrument pages and in the chart editor. Microphone chord recognition is limited to Android and remains in beta.

Who it's for

The maker positions the app for learners, composers, performers and musicians who play across instruments. Learners can use note entry and the chord dictionary to connect notes with chord names; performers and composers gain chart playback, export and transposition. It is less compelling for someone who needs only an occasional chord answer, or who expects reliable automatic listening on an older Android phone.

The app is made by Nicolas Foudral, whom Google Play identifies with an address in Marseille, France. The maker describes the apps as a one-person project and gives [email protected] for support.

Pros and cons

• Pros: More than 3,500 chords, reverse lookup and computed playable positions bring identification and practical voicing together.
• Pros: The chart editor combines playback and structural notation features with PDF export, useful for preparing material to share.
• Pros: The full version spans additional instruments and adds MIDI, open tunings, transposition and unlimited charts.
• Cons: The free version’s single-chart limit makes it a poor long-term fit for anyone keeping several arrangements.
• Cons: Microphone recognition is restricted to Android, still beta, and may falter on older phones.

Alternatives

For a wider set of chord-finding choices, browse Chord Finder Software. Choose ChordSequence instead if you want a free Android or web option with all features, no paywall or usage limit, and WAV and MIDI export. ChordU is worth considering for Android, iOS or web access, especially if its Premium plan’s uploads, MusicOnly mode and downloads suit your workflow; it costs $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. For an iOS-and-web sketching option, OtoTheory offers three local saves on its free plan, while MIDI and audio export are unavailable there. ChordProgressions.org is a free browser studio, with JavaScript required for playback and editing.

chords·lol, SongEngine and Chordify are also alternatives to consider.

Verdict

Choose Chord Analyser if you want a mobile chord dictionary that also supports playable voicings and structured, exportable charts, especially across several instruments. Its broad toolkit is the case for paying once; the main reason to look elsewhere is the one-chart free cap, or a need for reliable audio recognition on iOS or older Android hardware.