Chord Progression Builder for Guitarists

Create progressions, detect key & scale, export MIDI to your DAW.

What is OtoTheory?

OtoTheory is a free chord progression builder designed for guitarists who want to write songs without deep music theory knowledge. Build progressions, analyze keys, and export to your DAW.

Build Progressions

12-slot grid with 20+ presets including Canon, Pop, Jazz, and more.

Auto Key Detection

Instant key & scale analysis with fit percentage display.

MIDI Export

Export multi-track MIDI to Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton, and more.

Chord Progression

Build your song's blueprint with theory-backed insights.

Create chord progressions that evolve with real-time theoretical insights.

Turn your ideas into structured sketches ready for DAW.

Playful puzzle-like experience keeps your creative flow going.

Find Chords

Visualize the fretboard — connect theory to your guitar.

See scale tones and chord positions on the fretboard in real-time.

Explore on iPad's large screen while playing your guitar.

Discover new voicings that break out of your usual patterns.

Resources

Quick reference when you need it.

Diatonic, modes, and cadence explained with clear visuals.

A concise guide for quick recall during composition.

Supporting resource for your creative workflow.

My Sketches

Save your sketches — export to DAW when ready.

Save your chord progressions as sketches (Free: 3 local, Pro: unlimited cloud).

Export as Multi-track MIDI to your DAW for final production.

Your creative ideas, always accessible and ready to evolve.