Songwriters Inspiration [iPhone]

Do you find yourself using the same chord progressions over and over? Are you unsure what chords sound good together? Do you feel like you've mastered C and G Major, but are at a loss with what chords to use in B flat minor, let alone F sharp Mixolydian?

That's exactly the problem that I was having, and this is an attempt to fix that. I've gone through and assembled all the chords for each mode, that tend to sound ok together. First you select a note, then a mode, and the app will randomly select a chord progression that should sound decent. This is done in a somewhat random fashion, so if you don't like what it generates, you can just try again!

It will provide an 8 chord sequence, where it ends on any chord, then another 8 chord sequence with a V-I ending, and a third sequence with a IV-I ending. If you have an iPad, it'll also provide a 4th sequence ending with a half cadence I-V. You can decide you like one sequence, or decide you like one sequence followed by another sequence, it's really up to you, the songwriter.

If you find a sequence that you like, you can store it for later recall. You also have the option to print the sequences on screen. You can also play each sequence with a piano sound, to get an idea of what it will sound like. Finally, you can export to Music XML format. This can be read by third party tools, and can prove quite a time saver if you use Logic Pro.

There is also a "surprise me" button, that selects a random scale for you, so that you get something new and don't fall into a rut.

The following scales/modes are provided in the base app - Ionian (Major), Aeolian (Minor), Harmonic Minor, Dorian, Phrygian,Lydian, Mixolydian, and Locrian.

There is are two upgrade options available as in-app purchases if you decide that you find the app useful, and want even more modes, providing 800+ scales.

This is truly an awesome tool if you are serious about creating new compositions that don't sound like the same old same old. It won't write the entire song for you, but it will spark new ideas that you never would have had before. And if you are a Logic user, the Music XML export option will greatly speed your composition time. Especially if you are a pro and have to spit out compositions quickly for something like TV synch.