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. You 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; OtoTheory AI suggests chords based on feel, theory, and emotion. Pro exports MIDI in Groove, Groove + Theory, or Chords Only modes, including BPM, section markers, and chord names. The maker says these exports can be used with Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton, and other DAWs. OtoTheory is available on iOS and the web, but the web version has a smaller feature set and Pro is iOS-only. The free iOS plan allows three local sketch saves and has no MIDI or audio export. Paid options include Pro from $5.99/mo, an annual plan at $49.99/year, and Lifetime for $99.99 once.
Who it is for
OtoTheory suits guitar, bass, and keyboard players, songwriters, composers, self-learners, and DAW users who want to build or analyze progressions. It is also intended for beginners.
What is good
- Analyzes chords, key, and song sections on iOS
- Includes 19 groove patterns and 50+ presets
- Exports MIDI with BPM and section markers on Pro
- Offers chord playback and reverse chord lookup
What to know first
- Free plan limits users to three local sketch saves
- Free plan has no MIDI or audio export
- Pro is iOS-only; web features are limited
Verdict
OtoTheory brings progression building, song analysis, grooves, and theory tools together for players and composers. Check its iOS-only Pro restriction and free-plan export limits against your workflow.
Get started with OtoTheory
- Open OtoTheory on the web or use the iOS app.
- Choose the free plan, which includes three local sketch saves.
- Use the 7-day free trial to explore Pro features on iOS.
- Choose Pro, listed from $5.99/mo with an annual plan at $49.99/year, or Lifetime for $99.99 once.
What the free plan stops at
The free iOS plan allows three local sketch saves and does not include MIDI or audio export. The web version has limited grooves and presets, and Pro is iOS-only.
Questions about OtoTheory
Is OtoTheory free?
Yes. Its free iOS plan costs 0.00 USD per free and includes three local sketch saves. MIDI and audio export are unavailable on that plan.
How much does OtoTheory Pro cost?
Pro is listed from $5.99/mo, with monthly or annual billing. The annual plan is $49.99/year, and a 7-day free trial is offered.
Is there a lifetime option?
Yes. Lifetime costs $99.99 as a one-time purchase and includes Pro features forever, unlimited MIDI and audio export, unlimited saves, and iCloud sync.
What platforms does OtoTheory support?
OtoTheory is available on iOS and the web. Pro is iOS-only, and the web version offers a subset of iOS features.
Which DAWs can use its MIDI exports?
The maker says exported MIDI can be used with Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton, and other DAWs.
Who makes OtoTheory, and where is it based?
OtoTheory is based in Tokyo, Japan.
OtoTheory plans and pricing
All plansCompared on chord finder software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- $5.99/mo
- Reverse chord lookup
- Yes
- Progression generator
- Yes
- Voicing explorer
- Yes
- Supported instruments
- guitar, bass, keyboard
- Chord chart export
- Yes
- Mobile apps
- ios
- Chord audio playback
- Yes
