Getting Started with OtoTheory
With OtoTheory, you can create chord progressions and find notes that fit your chords
immediately, even without music theory knowledge.
🎯 Get Started in 3 Steps
Step 1️⃣: Build a Chord Progression
Method 1: Use Presets (Recommended)
- Click "Chord Progression" from the menu
- Open the "Presets" section
- Tap a pattern you like (e.g., "I - V - vi - IV")
- Chords are inserted and auto-play
Method 2: Build Manually
- Click "Chord Progression" from the menu
- Tap the + Add button
- Select and add chords you like
💡 Beginner Tip:
- Try the preset "I - V - vi - IV" first (very popular progression)
- Choose from 20 presets (50 in Pro)
- Sound plays immediately so you can hear how it sounds
Get Key & Scale Suggestions with Result Button
- After creating your progression, tap the "Result" button
- Key and scale candidates with high compatibility are displayed
- Choose from multiple candidates
Key Point: Keys are automatically detected from your chord progression. No music theory knowledge needed!
Step 2️⃣: Choose a Key and Scale
Select a Key
- Choose from the key candidates shown in Result
- Scale options change based on the selected key
Select a Scale
- Choose from scale candidates for your key
- Select Major (bright), Minor (dark), etc.
💡 Key Point:
- Displayed in order of compatibility
- If unsure, choose the top candidate
Fretboard Display
When you choose a key and scale:
- Scale notes are displayed on the fretboard
- You can visually see which notes work well
- Makes it easier to create melodies and solos that fit your chord progression
When to Use: Creating melodies, finding solo notes, learning scale patterns
Step 3️⃣: Save and Export
Edit Progression (Before Saving)
- Drag & drop to reorder
- Tap a chord to delete
- Long-press to replace
- Add up to 12 chords (Free plan)
Save (Sketch)
- Saves progression, key, scale, and fretboard display together
- Free: Up to 3 local saves
- Pro: Unlimited cloud saves
Export
- PNG Image: Save progression as image (for sharing)
- Text: Copy & paste chord names, key, and scale info
- MIDI: Edit in DAW (Pro only, with chord tracks & markers)
💡 Beginner Tip:
- Save progressions you like immediately
- PNG export lets you share with band members
- Saved sketches can be reopened to continue working
🎸 Useful Features
Find Chords (Chord Explorer)
Choose a key and scale to explore available chords in detail.
When to Use: Learn which chords work together, check fingerings, understand scales visually
Capo Suggestions
Get suggestions for making difficult keys easier to play.
When to Use: Play difficult keys with easy shapes, use more open string chords
📚 Common Terms
Key
The central note of a song. Examples: C, G, Am
Scale
The set of notes used in a song. Examples: Major, Minor
Diatonic Chords
The core chords for a given key/scale. Choosing from these creates natural-sounding progressions.
Roman Numerals
Symbols indicating chord function (I, V, vi, IV). Uppercase = major, lowercase = minor.
Capo
A device attached to guitar fret to raise pitch. Makes difficult keys playable with easy shapes.
🎓 Next Steps
Ready to start? Let's go!
Web version: Free, no signup required
Need help?
Check the FAQ page or contact support