Chord Forge

Chord Forge

Chords for songwriters

7 ratings
5 reviews

Archived App (Last seen on 20 Jan 2026)

This is an archived listing of the app previously available on the App Store.

Although the app is no longer distributed by Apple, you can still view its description, screenshots, version history, ratings, and metadata for reference.

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • March 22, 2018
  • July 25, 2018

Features

Chord Forge video #1 for iPad
Chord Forge video #2 for iPad
Chord Forge screenshot #3 for iPad
Chord Forge screenshot #4 for iPad
Chord Forge screenshot #5 for iPad
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About

Explore and discover unique chord progressions with an expanded set of base chords. This app makes modal interchange accessible, allowing songwriters to add evocative color to their music without needing deep music theory knowledge.

Expanded chord selection beyond major/minor scales
Modal interchange exploration
Chord progression builder
Preview chords or play on instrument
Basic and extended chord options
MIDI export for compatible apps
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What's New in Chord Forge

1.2

July 25, 2018

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Improved some internals and fixed an issue affecting MIDI playback.

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In-App Purchases

$3.99

Outside the key of C

Unlock all keys, transposing and MIDI

User reviews

Great sounding board for writing

I love this app, but I wish it were available in landscape mode for my iPad. There's also a glitch in the saving of renamed 'boards'. The "Enter" key does nothing, and I have to cycle back to the 'Boards' area to have it accept a new name. Other than a few minor glitches, it's a great tool for working away from an instrument to hear how chords sound together. The inclusion of a metronome would be a nice bonus.
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Does one job, does it well

Tero lays this out nicely
As a composer, it’s easy for me to put in a progression and see how modes are “close” visually. I especially approve of the layout, starting with Lydian and going through the scales. Lydian to Ionian flats one note, Ionian to mixolydian again, etc
Frankly, the free version is enough but I bought the full version for $3.99 because I want to support great and useful apps.
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Really nice idea, easy to use

I look forward when modes of other scales other than the major scale become available, such as the harmonic minor, melodic minor, double harmonic major and inversions, subs and spreads. Then this really will get interesting.

Nice app

Seems to work well, but there appears to be a mistake in C Locrian. The 5th chord should be F# not F.

Very helpful app

This app finally made the concept of modes and borrowed chords click. It has a great interface to easily try different chord progressions, and keep a record of them for future reference. The free version lets you explore the features of the app in the key of C so you know exactly what you’re getting if you decide to buy the rest of the keys.
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Developer apps

FAQ

What is Chord Forge?

Chord Forge is a music app designed to help songwriters explore and discover new chord progressions. It provides access to expanded chord selections and makes modal interchange easily accessible.

What scales does Chord Forge support?

Chord Forge expands chord selection beyond basic minor and major scales to include Lydian, Mixolydian, Dorian, Phrygian, and Locrian modes. In-app purchases unlock chords from all twelve keys.

Can I use Chord Forge with other music apps?

Yes, Chord Forge allows you to send notes via MIDI to compatible apps like GarageBand, with optional virtual MIDI support for recording ideas or accessing different sounds.

Does Chord Forge have ads?

No, Chord Forge does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and use, with optional in-app purchases for additional features.

What devices does Chord Forge support?

Chord Forge is currently supported on iPads. It was released on March 22, 2018, and its latest version is 1.2, last updated on July 25, 2018.

How does Chord Forge help with music theory?

Chord Forge simplifies modal interchange, a music theory concept, making it accessible without requiring users to grasp complex theory initially. It allows for experimentation and can aid in learning theory later.

What is the user rating for Chord Forge?

Chord Forge has a user rating of 3.4 stars based on 7 ratings. This suggests a mixed but generally positive reception from its user base.

Can I transpose my chord progressions with Chord Forge?

Yes, through in-app purchases, you can quickly transpose your chord progressions. This feature emulates the function of a capo on a guitar, allowing for easy key changes.