CalmusNotation vs ChordBaker
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CalmusNotation
Create and visualize musical compositions using AI-powered graphical notation. This app leverages advanced AI, inspired by NASA's Lisp programming, to generate original music based on user input and can display music from other compatible apps for live performance.
- AI-powered music composition
- Graphical notation display
- Real-time performance visualization
- Lisp-based AI engine
- User input-driven music creation
- Integration with CalmusComposer and CalmusPlay
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Graphical Notation is an app for music creation and graphical notation using Artificial Intelligence. The coreof Graphical Notation is the CalmusAI brain where the modern composing methods are programmed into the brain using Lisp programming language. NASA has historically used Lisp for artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, most notably in the 1990s Remote Agent project, the first AI system to control a spacecraft. CalmusNotation does not collect or use any musical material from the internet but creates new music based on the input from the user. In addition - CalmusNotation can also receive composed music from CalmusComposer and CalmusPlay - and present the music as graphical notation for live performance - in real-time. CalmusComposer composes music with Artificial Intelligence and can send the musical result to GraphicalNotations to be presented for life performance. CalmusComposer is connected to GraphicalNotation through WiFi local network - by selecting CalmusNotation in Settings. GraphicalNotation is connected to CalmusComposer, through WiFi local network - by selecting the MacOS device in the settings of GraphicalNotation. CalmusNotation needs Internet connection.
ChordBaker
Create accurate, harmony-focused chord charts quickly for songwriting, teaching, or learning music. Features advanced notation, key analysis, and instant transposition. Export to PDF or share editable files.
- Build chord charts quickly
- Harmony-first workflow
- Advanced chord notation
- View chord tones and degrees
- Instant transposition
- Export to PDF
- Share editable files
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Build harmony-oriented chord charts faster. Whether you’re writing songs, teaching, arranging, or learning covers, ChordBaker helps you create clean, accurate charts in seconds — with tools designed for musicians who think in chords, not lyrics. Features: • Build chord charts quickly • Harmony-first workflow: lyrics optional • Advanced notation (slash chords, sus/maj/add/altered voicings) • See chord tones at a glance • Choose a key and view chord degrees • Transpose instantly • Smart rules prevent impossible or nonsensical chord combos • Export to PDF or share editable files • Clean, print-ready formatting • Great for practice, teaching, rehearsals, or creating setlists You can also use the free web version (core features included) at ChordBaker.com. By using ChordBaker, you agree to Apple’s Standard Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: ChordBaker at 5.0 against CalmusNotation's 4.4. ChordBaker also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 4 months). CalmusNotation's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. ChordBaker sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. CalmusNotation asks for nothing beyond the download.
ChordBaker holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 3 respectively.
CalmusNotation ships an update every 4 months, ChordBaker every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on June 5, 2026 and September 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CalmusNotation | ChordBaker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (5 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 294 MB | 41 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Erki-tonlist sf | Tomas Ferrari |
Customer experience
CalmusNotation
ChordBaker
In-app purchases
CalmusNotation
No in-app purchases
ChordBaker
- ProMonthly$0.991 Month
- ProYearly$8.991 Year
- Johann Sebastian$19.991 Month
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- Johann Sebastian$199.991 Year
- ProLifetime$49.99
Questions
Is CalmusNotation free?
Is ChordBaker free?
Which has better reviews, CalmusNotation or ChordBaker?
Do CalmusNotation or ChordBaker have ads?
Which is updated more often, CalmusNotation or ChordBaker?
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