CHORDYFree download ↓Different ways to find the next chord
Find your kind
of starting point.
There are some lovely tools for writing harmony. Chordy’s particular combination is a plain-language starting point, hands-on exploration and editable MIDI—with a free-forever BYOK edition.
Where each tool fits.
This is a comparison of approaches, not an exhaustive feature checklist. Paid tools can be the right choice when their workflow speaks to you.
| Tool | A good fit for | Workflow | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chordy 1.1 | Turning a feeling into chords, then exploring and editing by ear. | Describe an idea or choose an offline progression. Audition explained alternatives, edit notes and export MIDI. AU, VST3 and Mac app. | BYOK free forever. Your own key for cloud AI; provider costs separate. Offline tools included. |
| Scaler 3 ↗ | Broad theory-led discovery and a deeper arrangement workspace. | Chord detection, chord sets, harmonic exploration and multi-lane composition with instrument hosting. | Paid licence; trial available. |
| Captain Plugins ↗ | Building connected chord, melody, bass and drum parts. | A suite of linked plugins with rhythm and arrangement tools, plus MIDI and audio export. | Paid suite. |
| Hookpad ↗ | Writing chords and melody together in a browser. | Theory guidance and a songwriting editor, with Aria AI suggestions available as an add-on. | Free tier; paid plans include MIDI export. Aria is a paid add-on. |
Links go to the makers’ own product pages. Features and plans can change. Product names belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.
Why try Chordy?
A small, free
space to explore.
If you want to describe an idea in your own words, choose which AI you use and then get your hands into the notes, Chordy is worth a listen. You can also leave AI out completely and use the progression library, chord exploration and editing tools.
It sits beside your existing instruments and writing habits. Start with a loop, keep one chord, or export the whole progression and take it apart in your DAW.
Try Chordy for free ↓