# Chord Forge — Chords for songwriters

> Songwriting tool for exploring expanded chord progressions and modal interchange. (iPhone/iPad app by Tero Parvinen.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chord-forge/id1352397293 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tero Parvinen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1352397292)
- Category: Music
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.40/5 from 7 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.2 · 45 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-03-22
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chord-forge/id1352397293/reviews.md

## What is Chord Forge?

Chord Forge is for anyone who wants to explore and discover chord progressions with a fresh twist. A dream come true for songwriters of all levels, it gives you access to an expanded set of base chords that work together in a chord progression. Break free from the boundaries of the minor and major scales and drop evocative color into your songs.

Tapping the magic of modal interchange, Chord Forge makes this part of music theory easily accessible to anyone. You don’t need to grasp the subtleties of theory here, but it can make it easier for you to get up to speed if you decide to dive into it later.

Select the key or scale of your song and start experimenting at your leisure, either directly on the iPad or on your instrument using the chord chart as guide and inspiration.

Features:
- Easy and inspirational user interface
- Expand chord selection from the minor and major scales to Lydian, Mixolydian, Dorian, Phrygian and Locrian
- Preview chords in the app or play them on your instrument
- Assemble chord progressions and parts using the chord progression builder
- Select from basic triad chords or from extended chords including the seventh

Through the in-app purchase:
- Use chords from all twelve keys, mix and match
- Quickly transpose your progression, emulating a capo on a guitar
- Send notes using MIDI to any compatible app (such as GarageBand) with optional virtual MIDI support to record your ideas or to access a variety of sounds

## Key features

- 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

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Outside the key of C | $3.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chord-forge/id1352397293/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Great sounding board for writing

*2022-01-28*

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.

### 5/5 — Does one job, does it well

*2021-03-26*

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.

### 3/5 — Really nice idea, easy to use

*2019-12-18*

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.

### 4/5 — Nice app

*2019-11-02*

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

### 5/5 — Very helpful app

*2018-07-21*

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.

## Frequently asked questions about Chord Forge

### 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.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.2 — 2018-07-25

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Improved some internals and fixed an issue affecting MIDI playback.

### 1.1 — 2018-03-23

Bug fixes:
- Fixed an issue that could prevent proper playback using the chord progression area
- Fixed an issue that could cause distorted audio after switching audio output devices

### 1.0 — 2018-03-22

No release notes.

## More apps by Tero Parvinen

- [Dot Journal](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dot-journal/id1480731922)

All apps by Tero Parvinen: https://appshunter.io/developer/1352397292

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*