Frequently Asked Questions

No. ChordFrog has two modes that work without a keyboard: Leap Quiz (multiple-choice ear training) and Travel Chords (tap to hear any chord). For Lily Pad Drill and Free Pond, a MIDI keyboard is required for real-time chord recognition.

ChordFrog works with any class-compliant USB MIDI keyboard when used with a suitable adapter (e.g. Lightning or USB-C). Bluetooth MIDI keyboards are also supported on compatible iOS devices, so you can connect wirelessly.

In Free Pond (real-time recognition mode), ChordFrog identifies: major, minor, diminished, augmented, sus2, sus4, major 7th, dominant 7th, minor 7th, diminished 7th, half-diminished (m7♭5), major 6th, minor 6th, add9, minor add9, and slash chords/inversions (e.g. C/E, C/G). Ear training modes (Lily Pad Drill and Leap Quiz) focus on the six triad types across five progressive levels — the foundation of harmonic ear training.

Level 1 (The Campfire) covers the most common chords in pop and folk — white-key majors plus Am, Em, and Dm. Level 2 (The Session) adds all remaining major and minor chords. Level 3 (The Gig) adds dominant 7th and major 7th. Level 4 (The Studio) adds minor 7th, sus2, and sus4. Level 5 (The Abyss) includes everything — diminished, augmented, 6ths, and more. You can practise any level in Lily Pad Drill or Leap Quiz.

Yes. Start with Level 1 and Leap Quiz or Travel Chords to build familiarity. When you have access to a MIDI keyboard, Lily Pad Drill and Free Pond give instant feedback to reinforce recognition.

ChordFrog requires iOS 16 or later. It runs on iPhone and iPad. For MIDI, use a Lightning or USB-C adapter for USB MIDI, or a Bluetooth MIDI keyboard where supported.

ChordFrog is free to download. Check the App Store listing for current pricing and any in-app offerings.

Ten to fifteen minutes of focused practice is more effective than an hour of unfocused play. ChordFrog sessions are designed for short bursts — you can complete meaningful practice in the time it takes to drink a coffee.

ChordFrog analyses the MIDI note data from your keyboard in real time. It identifies the root, chord quality, and inversion based on the pitches you play. No audio analysis is involved — it reads the MIDI messages directly, which is why recognition is instant and accurate.

Yes — Free Pond recognises major 7th, dominant 7th, minor 7th, diminished 7th, half-diminished (m7♭5), major 6th, minor 6th, add9, and minor add9 chords in real time. The ear training levels also introduce 7th chords: Level 3 (The Gig) adds dominant 7th and major 7th, and Level 4 (The Studio) adds minor 7th.

Both training modes run 20-question rounds with a maximum score of 200 points. Each question gives you up to 3 tries: a correct first try scores 10 points, second try 6 points, third try 3 points, and if all three tries fail you score 0 and see the answer. An in-round HUD tracks your current question, score, and remaining tries.

Yes. All chord recognition, audio playback, and quiz content works without an internet connection. You can practise on a plane, underground, or anywhere without Wi-Fi.

Yes. Audio routes to whatever output your iPhone or iPad is using — built-in speakers, wired headphones, AirPods, or Bluetooth speakers. For the best ear training experience, headphones are recommended as they reduce ambient noise.

ChordFrog uses the Salamander Grand Piano sample library, a high-quality recording of a real acoustic grand piano released under Creative Commons BY 3.0. Ear training works best with a natural piano sound, so this was a deliberate choice over synthetic alternatives.

Email [email protected]. Every message is read and considered. Bug reports with specific steps to reproduce are especially helpful.

No. ChordFrog does not collect personal data or track your usage. Everything runs locally on your device. See the Privacy Policy for full details.