Autochords vs ChordU

Autochords is an iPhone and iPad app that helps songwriters find chord progressions and learn chords on guitar, piano and ukulele. Choose a progression style and key to see a main progression and alternatives for other song sections. Progressions can be previewed at a selected tempo with piano, guitar or ukulele playback, and the app provides diagrams for each instrument. Its built-in library contains dozens of progressions across styles of western music, though some require PRO. The free plan provides the app's free features. PRO adds more progressions, favorites, tempo changes, color themes, custom progressions and MIDI export. Export uses the iOS share sheet to open files in compatible apps, including desktop DAWs such as Logic or GarageBand. PRO costs $2.99 a month, $12.99 a year or 29.99 USD once for lifetime access. If a PRO subscription expires, existing favorites and custom progressions remain accessible, but users cannot add or remove favorites or create or delete custom progressions. Astrocode Pty Ltd develops the app, which is operated by a solo developer.

ChordU identifies chords in audio and aligns them with musical notation. Users can also find a song on YouTube, copy its link and search for it in ChordU. A song may have simplified, advanced, bass or edited chord arrangements, as well as treble-clef and bass-clef note versions. Chord diagrams cover guitar, piano, ukulele and mandolin. On the website, users can obtain PDF chord and note sheets, MIDI files and synthesized notes in WAV format. MusicOnly mode provides controls for vocals, bass, drums and other instruments, and can export a mixed audio download. Local music uploads and MusicOnly for those uploads require Premium; Premium also permits chord downloads without a stated monthly limit. The Free plan has limited access, while Premium costs $5.00 per month. ChordU is available on Android, iOS and the web. Its terms limit song and chord use to personal, non-commercial purposes.