Chord Analyser vs HarmonyBuilder

Chord Analyser identifies chords entered as notes on a piano keyboard or fretboard, then shows playable positions for the selected chord. Its library recognizes over 3,500 chords, and its chart editor supports measures, subdivisions, repeats, time and key signatures, playback, auto voicing, and PDF export. The free version costs nothing, has no time limit or ads, and includes one chord chart. More charts require the full version, a one-time payment whose price comes from the app store. That version adds eight instruments, open tunings, MIDI input, unlimited charts, and chart transposition. Microphone recognition is an Android-only beta; it identifies one chord at a time and may struggle on older phones. The maker says audio transcription happens on-device without an internet connection. The app is available for Android and iOS and is described for learners, composers, performers, and musicians who play across instruments.

HarmonyBuilder is music notation and composition software for writing and hearing four-part harmony. Its editions range from score creation and MIDI export to harmony instruction, composition tools, and teacher-student collaboration. Basic supports moving notes and experimenting with harmony and rhythm. Educational checks voice-leading errors, color-codes chord notes, and identifies and names chords. Professional adds a Chord Selector wheel, a Voicing Generator, and tools for harmonizing melodies or bass lines. Institutional provides a dedicated database for sharing assignments, homework, and compositions; its score accounts are password-protected. Compositions can be saved to a computer or public web archive, or in MIDI format, and a private link can open a score in a browser. HarmonyBuilder runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and requires Java 6 or higher. The trial lasts up to 28 days and includes Basic, Educational, and Professional functionality. Basic costs $14 a month; Educational costs $49 a month.