Autochords vs SongEngine

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.

SongEngine creates chord progressions and generates matching basslines, phrases, and melodies. Users can make chords with Chord Pads, import MIDI progressions, or generate progressions in the plug-in. Its free core includes 60+ presets for basslines, arpeggios, phrases, and melodies. Live Mode turns MIDI chords sent from a keyboard or DAW into new MIDI phrases in real time. Generated parts can be dragged into a DAW as standard MIDI files; an optional MassExporter can write hundreds of phrases to a computer folder. SongEngine runs as a VST2, VST3, or AU plug-in and needs a compatible host such as FL Studio or Ableton Live. It supports 64-bit Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, and macOS 10.13 or later on 64-bit Intel or Apple Silicon processors. There is no official Linux build, though the manual says users have reported using Wine. The maker says its algorithms were crafted by human musicians, not AI, and generated MIDI files may be used in commercial releases.