Name: Tonality: Music Theory
Rating: 4.86538 (104 reviews)

User Reviews for Tonality: Music Theory

4.87 out of 5

104 Ratings

2 years ago, A. Toonguy

Prior version deeper than I could handle, NOW it’s at my level

Wanted to update my review. Previously, as a Garageband user, I didn’t feel I could get a lot out of the app. I appreciated it for what it could do, it just couldn’t do much for me. Now, I feel like I have access to an infinite midi pack. :) While the learning curve is still a little over my head, being able to hear audio from the app via Soundfonts is a game changer for me and the midi export means I can create a progression using chords that SOUND like I want and bring those into Garageband. I’m probably not making full use of the app as I don’t use AUM and I don’t perform, but I just created my first beat in Garageband using chords from the app and I’m happy! UPDATE: I used Chord ID on a tune I’d tried in other tools (Stir & Mix, Scratchin’ Melodii). Other tools couldn’t quite result in a collection of notes that sounded like what I was hearing (especially on 5 and 6 of the progression). Chord ID actually captured some critical discordant notes which finally matched the sound I hear. I know this may not be the expected use case for this tool, but I look forward to trying it on other tunes other apps couldn’t handle :)

6 months ago, cmruko

Worth Every Penny!

I know I reviewed this app already since I love it so much but didn’t see the review, so here we go again… this app is a full database of all the music theory you might need both generally or even more specifically for piano or guitar. If that wasn’t enough there are 4 AUv3 apps inside this one app. I use the app and the AU’s all the time. The chord pad Au is phenomenal. Completely customizable AU midi pads to setup and play instruments inside any DAW/Host on iOS. You can auto generate chords/notes from a scale or completely customize each pad, resize the grid, basically… all the features. The chord/scale identification is very helpful for figuring out what you’re playing or a midi file. The circle of fifths is another Au midi chord pad type app but based around the circle of fifths and chord inversions. This is one of the best bang for your buck apps on the App Store. You get so much useful knowledge and 4 Audio Units inside one app, for a very very fair price, considering how much is inside this thing. Can’t recommend it enough. Amazing. Cheers!

5 years ago, Djdickdnakzifkf

Fits Perfectly into my workflow

This app fits perfectly into a few of my workflows. Keep it open on my phone next to the keyboard when I’m writing songs; the chord ID is so useful! I’m a guitar player but have been enjoying trying to write on piano. Often will accidentally stumble on a few keys that sound nice together and now I can get the name of the chord and if it’s 7th, sus, add 4...etc along with variation or inversions and a very straightforward diagram showing the combination of keys to play for each. It’s already helped so many times. And all has been a bonus, something I didn’t even know I needed. The main features I bought it for were chord pads I can customize and use in AUM and all the music theory info is right there so I can learn what I’m doing and experiment without stopping the jam. Lots more but I’m still learning what this app can do. The Developer seems to keep adding features to make MIDI setup smooth which shows me he’s got his finger on the pulse and this will be an app that continues to be excellent!

3 years ago, BenHere101

Next Level Creative SongWriting Tool

This app does it all! It’s worth more than it cost. The developer listens to advice and ideas and executes them to continue improving this wonderful tool. I use it in BeatMaker 3, Cubasis 3, AUM, and on my phone to write chord ideas and store them. Don’t no how to play…no problem….it’s super intuitive workflow is easy to get use too. I start ideas on this app and then use it to lay-down chords. The chord pad feature is spectacular. You can custom the colors and the editing of chords is a breeze. From standard to inverted it can do them all. Save custom chords too. Want to know what chord your playing? It can detect that. Need help with Circle of Fifths? Gotcha! Unbelievable!!!!!!

4 years ago, Klrxs

Great app! One of the best!

Seeing how I got this app early on, the transformations it has gone through and the ingenuity in those transformations really has me impressed. All without losing focus of its main functions! Does what it says. Has a few AU devices which is wonderful. I love the clipboard. Main feature request: wish strummer had an omnichord type function where it can be set to do a range of octaves of a chord rather than just one. Would open a lot of potential for effortlessly doing inversions etc. Long shot feature request: have the ability to play back sequences of chords as progressions, with some progressions already available to select. Of course, this is way beyond the primary scope of this app haha Anyway, yes, I have feature requests. But this app is already complete. It’s just learning more tricks 😊. That’s why it’s a no-brainer 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you for the time you’ve put into making this!

3 years ago, Warlord88777

Loved "Never downloaded an app so fast in my life" Quote

Couldn't agree more. Anyone that is serious about learning to play a variety of musical instruments can be assured that there is clear numerous streamlined benefits included with being able to utilize something with this simple, clean, intuitive, and user friendly of a layout. Honestly probably haven't been interested in a paid-for app for a few years now, But... when I saw this one.... "I never downloaded an app so fast in my life" XD

5 years ago, walkie1984

The ultimate chord/scale swiss army knife

This app is amazing. I bought it for the AU chord detection, but the developer just keeps on adding new features. It's now a fantastic chord and scale reference that includes both keys and stringed instruments, a fully customizable AU chord pad tool for triggering chords in other apps, a AU grand staff viewer, an interactive Circle of Fifths reference that is super useful for experimenting with different chord progressions, and even an ear trainer! This is one of the most versatile and useful music apps I own, and the developer is very active and responsive on the Audiobus forums. Super easy recommendation.

5 years ago, Brock_Harris

Great new music reference and production app!

I purchased this app two weeks ago around the day it was released. Since then, there have been two solid updates. One was expanding it's use to AUv3 and MIDI In, the other included the Circle of Fifths as a visual reference tool. I recommend this app for practicing with your instrument, as well as for referencing MIDI notes on plugins in whatever iOS DAW setup that you use. I'm looking forward to using Tonality as it grows, along with any potential upcoming music apps that have this level of response and detail.

3 years ago, Kalfisher

Love love but the app icon looks a bit like a…

Well… It’s just got a certain look about it and I’m not saying it was my first thought but like a pal looked at my phone and it was like immediately jumping out to them, “is that a b…” and then it was like impossible to not see. Maybe it’s just me but yeah - otherwise this app is immensely helpful and worth the price. Bravo to the developers and “wink” to the graphics folks

3 years ago, Siriusvibes

Awesome music theory assistant

I have many guitar, piano and theory books and apps. This one covers much of the material in a single app making it easy to look up information without having to dig through references. I highly recommend any guitarist or pianist to consider getting this app as well as bedroom producers without deep music theory chops. It will help you learn. The UI is nicely laid out as well, looks great on my iPad.

5 years ago, Frrl100967

Amazing app

What can I say. This app is really good, in my book the best. I have Suggester, chord poly pad, ultimate circle of fifths and more, almost any app that deals with music theory but this one beats all of them. It is really that good. Not that the others are not good but this one is by far the best. The developer reads all our suggestions to improve the app. Check the audiobus forum so can read more about it

5 years ago, Eriptron

Best Music App Tool I Own, period!

Update: Wow, that update was fast! 🤓👍 —- I didn’t even get through their list of features before I bought it! This is going on both my iPad and my iPhone. My only complaint is that the sound fonts sound cheesy but that’s what I got it for. The acoustic piano sound font could be better.

5 years ago, kittenonthe keys

Amazing app

I love this app! Its organization makes it super easy to find chords/scales, especially with reverse searches. The chord identification is especially cool (basically you can play chords and the app will identify them). I loved making some of my own chords and I love the graphics. 10/10 would recommend.

5 years ago, Kat D 3456

Awesome all inclusive tool

This has everything! It would have been so useful in my college days. I use it now with my piano students and theory students, and love that it has so much that will last them a very long time. Chord scales, chords, scales and fingerings, circle of fifths and more!

5 months ago, NW ears

Best music app. I love it even more than ireal

This is incredibly useful for songwriting and transcribing. I use it all the time for so many aspects of my musicianship. Yes, it even edges out ireal pro for all-around usefulness (and we love ireal Pro)

11 months ago, Jeffnva

Very good program

This program is proving very useful to me. It’s very interactive and well thought through. Yes it is 5 stars and I would give six if I could. One of the best music theory apps in my opinion.

5 years ago, keefthedozer

Hands down one of the most useful apps ever created. It covers all aspects of theory.

Amazing amazing amazing!!! Can’t say enough good things about this. Not only is this a writing and learning tool it is also an instrument.

5 years ago, Mehmui

Pretty cool but...

I use this primarily for chord pads. Which works pretty good but please add. - sustain hold i often want chords held an indefinite amount of time as they are triggering arps and long pads. - there is no octave up or down per chord. Or easy invert. - i cant trigger the pads from an external midi keyboard ie atom piano roll inside aum really handy to rearrange chord changes just by using single notes - please have presets full of chords - i think the done button should be on the same page as chord selection in addition to the edit chord window. Itd be a lot faster to dial up a bunch of chords. Thanks!

3 years ago, itsrifat

Very helpful app

Love this app! Got so many well crafted features! The chord pad is my favorite. Allows me to quickly put together a progression by to jam over with

2 years ago, ! yyy

Very Beginner

I have no idea what is going on here. No explications of how to use the information. Developer provided me with helpful instructions so I upgraded my review. Learning music theory with no background is challenging.

3 years ago, supernothing

Everything and more

I was looking for a midi-mappable velocity sensitive chord trigger and I found one wrapped in an interactive musical encyclopedia I didn’t know I needed.

2 years ago, twnie

Indispensable

You need this app if you play or write music.

7 months ago, Deathrow Inmates

The best! The best! The best!

The Greatest! You’re a definite beautiful good soul! I know some might wonder, But, You, My Dear, Friend, Brother, Patron, Have Done This Godforsaken Cruel World a Favour, That is unparalleled. I pray for your eternal blissful life and a very content and loving journey towards the void. Love you, I truly Do.

3 years ago, DevinJamesK

Wow, what can I say? Best music theory app period.

Out of all of the thousands of books, online tutorials, paid PDFs, cheat sheets, chord posters, etc, nothing has managed to package as much useful information, as concisely, as this app. From scales, to the circle of fifths, to tools like reverse guitar chord look up, this app is packed! Coming from piano and learning guitar, as well as my taking my music theory understanding more seriously, this app has been an invaluable tool in my learning experience. Couple this quality app and musically understanding with a proactive and passionate developer makes it all the better. Every time I think of a suggestion there’s already a setting for it in some menu. Bugs don’t stay around long and new features and tweaks come often. With ear training, I am given one less excuse to not practice music before bed, even if I can’t be bothered to get up and sit with my instrument. Overall, I can highly recommend this app. Considering one crappy music theory pdf from your favorite YouTube instructor is almost always $20, this app is a steal. Take your time, it can be overwhelming, but honestly music is overwhelming so that just makes sense. Ps, if you think it’s good on iPhone, try it on iPad.

2 months ago, Serch22

Extremely difficult to assign pads to midi controller

Extremely difficult to assign pads to midi controller. I did it once but I can't figure it out again!

2 years ago, Prod Morningstar

Just downloaded this, Its great👌

Btw, if the AUV3 version of this app don’t show up in AUM, just delete Tonality and reinstall and it should appear. Edit: 03/03/23 App not showing in AUM I’m having issues with the app showing up in AUM after the latest update. I deleted and downloaded it a couple of times like the first time I got this app and its doing nothing.

Description

"Best music app tool I own, period!" "Never downloaded an app so fast in my life" "Excellent app for music theory. It is brilliantly supported by the developer who is continually updating it... The app is indispensable for the reference and learning of music theory." Tonality is the ultimate chord, scale, and general music reference tool for musicians of all skill levels. It allows you to explore a large database of chords and scales and comes with tons of MIDI/AUv3 functionality, including chord pads for composition and performance. NOTE: Tonality will always be a one-time purchase with free upgrades. All IAPs are for tips only. CHORDS: • Chord dictionary with over 1,000 chords for piano and guitar • Listen to a chord by tapping, or arpeggiate by swiping • Reverse search for chords using piano or fretboard • Identify chords from the microphone using a cutting-edge ML algorithm • Search for chords by root, quality, and/or extension • View different inversions and omittable notes • View related scales GUITAR CHORD CHARTS: • View charts for any chord • Supports multiple tunings and instruments (including custom tunings) • Generate voicings by criteria including fret range, number of fingers used, and finger stretch • Left-handed option SCALES: • Scale dictionary with over 1,000 scales • Search for scales by root and name, and filter by various tags • Reverse search for scales using piano or fretboard • View scale degrees and note names • View ascending and descending versions • View all modes and scale chords CIRCLE OF FIFTHS: • Interactive circle of fifths: view key signatures and scales for major and minor keys • Focus on diatonic chords in a given key and view Roman numeral analysis EAR TRAINING: • Learn to recognize notes, melodies, intervals, chords, and scales by ear! • After each session, view what gave you trouble and create a level with just those items • View detailed statistics about each training session and your training history MUSICAL TERMS DICTIONARY: • View musical terms and their definitions/illustrations • Tempo, symbol, articulation, dynamics, and more MUSICAL TYPING KEYBOARD: • Special keyboard for typing and previewing chord symbols • Works wherever iOS keyboard does - enable it from Settings->General->Keyboard->Keyboards->Add New Keyboard... ---- Includes 4 AUv3 MIDI Plugins! ---- CHORD/SCALE IDENTIFICATION: • View the names of the piano chords/scales you play in real time • Record identified chords and export as text/MIDI CHORD PADS: • Add chords via list, scale chords, fretboard, name, or MIDI input • Drag and drop to and from other apps or plugin instances • Full voicing control: edit individual notes' octaves and velocities • Grid sizes from 2x2 to 12x12 • Strum bar for performing arpeggios or individual notes • MIDI trigger mappable with MIDI learn capability • Automation parameters for footpedal control • CC mapping on XY axes • Multiple velocity sensitivity modes • Custom presets can be saved and shared across hosts • Patchstorage integration for community sharing • Export pad sets as MIDI/XML files • Import Scaler chord packs (XML) GRAND STAFF: • View MIDI input in a grand staff in real time • Detects chord names CIRCLE OF FIFTHS: • Control other apps with a circle-of-fifths layout • Modify inversion, octave, extensions, and bass notes on the fly • Auto-voice lead option CUSTOMIZATION/ADVANCED: • Create your own chords, scales, fingerings, ear training levels, and definitions • Show set theory information for any pitch class set, including Forte numbers, pitch constellations, and Tonnetze • Choose the playback instrument (load any .sf2 file) • Choose note naming (English or Solfège)