Comparison

FretMachine vs Chord Master Pro

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

FretMachine

This app allows musicians to sketch guitar parts by placing chords on a fretboard and creating strumming patterns. It offers an intuitive alternative to traditional tab workflows, enabling users to build chord progressions and export ideas as MIDI files for DAWs.

Highlights
  • Fretboard chord input
  • Strumming pattern sequencer
  • Chord library with advanced chords
  • Real-time chord analysis
  • MIDI export for DAWs
  • Timeline arrangement
Read full description

Place chords on the fretboard. Sketch guitar parts with strumming patterns. FretMachine is a guitar chord and strumming sequencer for musicians, producers, songwriters, and DAW users. Unlike traditional tab-based workflows, FretMachine provides a more intuitive way to create guitar parts. Place chords on a fretboard-style interface, create strumming patterns in the rhythm sequencer, and arrange your ideas on the timeline. When you place notes on the fretboard, FretMachine analyzes the shape in real time and shows you the chord name. You can also choose chords directly from the chord library and quickly build chord progressions. Once your chords are ready, create strumming patterns on the rhythm grid, arrange them on the timeline, and export your ideas as MIDI files for further production in your DAW. KEY FEATURES • Strum-Based Sequencing Create guitar ideas around chords and strumming rhythms instead of entering notes one by one. • Pattern-Based Sequencer Arrange strumming and rhythm patterns freely on the timeline to structure your song ideas. • Chord Library Supports Basic Triads, 7th chords, tension chords such as 9th/11th/13th, sus/add chords, Altered chords, and a variety of guitar voicings. • Reverse Chord Finder Place notes on the fretboard and see the chord name analyzed in real time. • Fretboard Input Enter and sequence chord shapes while viewing a visual guitar fretboard interface. • Rhythm & Strumming Pattern Editor Design strumming rhythms on a grid using downstrokes and upstrokes. • MIDI Export Export completed guitar parts as MIDI files and bring them into your DAW. FretMachine helps you quickly build guitar-focused ideas, from chord sketches to pattern-based song drafts.

About

Chord Master Pro

Features
Read full description

For songwriters, musicians, and music learners. Chord Master brings chord editing, scale exploration, practice organization, and songwriting together in one simple workspace. Whether you're learning your first chords, developing new progressions, or capturing musical ideas, Chord Master helps you stay creative and organized. Features • Create Choose your instrument and start with chords, scales, or chord tabs. • Organize Store your creations in folders or quickly capture ideas in Inspiration. • Refine Edit/customize your chord shapes/progressions, and improve your arrangements with the chord tab editor. • Practice Plan your practice sessions and keep your musical growth on track. • Customize Build your own chord library and create personalized chord shapes that fit your playing style. Perfect for • Guitar players • Bass players • Ukulele players • Piano players • Songwriters • Music students • Music teachers • Anyone learning music theory or harmony Whether you're writing your next song or practicing every day, Chord Master keeps your musical ideas together in one place. Privacy Policy: https://coderlwm.github.io/src/privacy-policy.html Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

FretMachine4 screens
Chord Master Pro4 screens

Verdict

The call

FretMachine and Chord Master Pro are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. FretMachine sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Chord Master Pro sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FretMachine ships an update daily, Chord Master Pro every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
FretMachine versus Chord Master Pro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFretMachineChord Master Pro
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyDaily — betterEvery 2 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.015
Further details — not scored
Size227 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKyuhwa Choi万敏 赖

In-app purchases

1 purchases

FretMachine

One-time1
  • Pro Unlock$9.99
1 purchases

Chord Master Pro

Subscriptions1
  • Unlock premium features.$0.991 Month

Questions

Is FretMachine free?
FretMachine is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Chord Master Pro free?
Chord Master Pro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do FretMachine or Chord Master Pro have ads?
Neither FretMachine nor Chord Master Pro shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FretMachine or Chord Master Pro?
FretMachine ships an update daily, and Chord Master Pro every 2 days. Most recently, FretMachine was updated on September 23, 2026 and Chord Master Pro on October 7, 2026.

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