Chord Construction

Music is the universal language and a huge part of people’s lives. Whether you’re a long-time professional, or someone just starting to learn an instrument, apps can help you on your journey. The apps can help you stay in tune or even help in the writing process. Download these and become the guy at the party with the guitar.

1. Songsterr Tabs & Chords

Songsterr is a great app for a beginner guitar player. Instead of printing chords from the internet, download this and have access to free chord sheets from classic songs. Play through the song with the app’s audio and see exactly where to place your fingers on the neck of the guitar. You can’t change the settings so this is only for someone who understands how chord charts work, but you can focus on a specific part to get a handle on it. Favorite the songs you like the best so you can get it under your belt.

Pros:

• Has many free songs
• Plays along with you
• Can zoom in on certain parts of the song

Cons:

• Have to pay for some songs
• Can’t change experience level
• Difficult to rewind

2. Lyrically

Though misheard lyrics are hilarious, sometimes it’s better to know what they artist is actually saying. Search any song on Lyrically to get the complete lyrics as well as where you can download it. Look at the most popular songs of the day on the front page or search by title or artist name. Play the song while you listen to the lyrics to really learn them and figure out the correct timing. You can even share what you find with your friends so you can work on a song together.

Pros:

• Search by artist or title
• Play the song while you look at the lyrics
• Find places to buy the song

Cons:

• Doesn’t have every song or artist
• Every once in awhile lyrics are incorrect
• Sometimes only shows partial lyrics

3. Pro Metronome

A huge part of any kind of music is staying on rhythm. Singers, guitar players and trumpet players all need a good metronome to keep on track. With this app, you don’t have to carry a separate device in your bag but can use your phone instead. It looks like a standard metronome with a dial you can move to change the speed but you can also adjust the time signature and which beat you want the downbeat to be. Turn up the volume and play along to any tempo you could want.

Pros:

• Change time signature
• Adjust to any tempo you want
• Hear examples of tempos for classic songs

Cons:

• Can be a bit hard to navigate
• Can take awhile to find the tempo you want
• Doesn’t always turn off right away

4. Band

One of the hardest parts about keeping a band together is finding times to rehearse and play gigs. Though this app isn’t specifically for musicians, it will make getting together much easier. Create an account then start your band. You can send group messages and even make a group chat. If an even time changes, let everyone know quickly. You can make the group private or keep it open if you’re looking for new talent.

Pros:

• Make as many groups as you want
• Keep it private or public
• Send group chats and messages

Cons:

• Takes a long time to create an account
• Everyone has to have the app
• Can be hard to navigate

5. Magic Piano

Even a professional piano players deserves to have a little fun. Magic Piano may not feel the same as a real piano, but it is a game that anyone can get good at. Pick any of the free songs the app offers, and tap every time you see a dot on the screen. You can even save a recording of how you did and share it with your friends. Play different levels to increase your finger speed. Soon you’ll be playing concertos with the best of them. The more you play, the mores coins you can get so you can buy songs.

Pros:

• Good variety of songs
• Easy to follow
• Can change experience level

Cons:

• Have to pay for certain songs
• Takes a long time to gain coins
• Sometimes gets rid of progress