Ever thought about learning music theory through apps on your phone?
Well, it’s not only possible but also a fun and modern way to learn music theory.
With apps like Perfect Ear, Tenuto, Ear Master, and many others, you can dive into music theory and ear training right from your device.
I’ve tried out various music theory apps and found some real gems that have significantly improved my understanding of music theory.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best music theory apps this year.
Top Tip: For the best result, we recommend using a good pair of headphones with these apps. Take a quick look at the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X for a clear and crispy studio sound. These headphones will let you get the most from the ear training apps below.
1. Waay
Waay is an interactive music theory app designed for musicians and songwriters. It offers a range of courses focused on the essentials of music theory, including scales, chords, melody, and harmony.
This music theory app uses engaging videos, quizzes, and interactive exercises to teach music theory concepts in a fun and accessible way.
Waay music theory app is suitable for beginners and those looking to brush up on their theoretical knowledge.
2. Duolingo for Music
Duolingo for Music aims to make learning music theory apps as easy and fun as learning a new language.
Leveraging Duolingo’s proven gamified learning model, the app teaches musical concepts such as notes, scales, chords, and rhythms through bite-sized lessons, interactive exercises, and quizzes.
It’s ideal for beginners and those who prefer a structured, step-by-step approach to learning.
3. SmartChord
SmartChord is a versatile music tool that combines various features useful for musicians of all levels.
It includes a broad chord library, scale references, an ear training module, and more.
The app also offers interactive music theory lessons, making it a one-stop solution for learning and reference.
It doesn’t matter if you’re practicing guitar, piano, or any other instrument, SmartChord has tools to assist you.
4. Quiztones
Quiztones is an ear training app specifically designed for audio engineers, producers, and musicians.
It helps users develop critical listening skills by providing quizzes that focus on frequency recognition, EQ, and gain level differences.
The app is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their mixing and mastering skills, as well as for musicians who want to enhance their ear training.
5. goodEar Pro – Ear Training
goodEar Pro is an advanced ear training app designed for serious musicians and music students.
It offers a wide range of exercises to improve pitch recognition, interval training, chord identification, and rhythm.
The app is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their training sessions to their specific needs.
It’s an excellent tool for anyone looking to refine their ear and theoretical understanding.
6. NoteNerd
NoteNerd is a music theory app designed to help musicians of all levels improve their theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The app offers a wide range of lessons, exercises, and quizzes covering various aspects of music theory, including note reading, scales, chords, intervals, and rhythm.
NoteNerd’s intuitive interface and interactive features make learning engaging and effective.
It’s suitable for beginners looking to build a solid foundation, as well as advanced musicians aiming to refine their skills.
7. Perfect Ear
Perfect Ear is a music theory app for Android and iOS. It offers a free version, but I highly recommend the premium version for its full range of functionalities.
Despite being affordable, the premium music theory app version provides a wealth of resources.
The app is divided into three main sections: theory, ear training, and rhythm. Each section offers in-depth lessons and exercises to improve your music skills.
The theory section covers intervals, scales, chords, modes, rhythm, and the circle of fifths. The ear training section allows beginners to practice intervals, scales, chords, and sight-reading.
In the rhythm section, you can familiarize yourself with rhythmical figures and learn how to keep the beat. Perfect Ear is a well-rounded music theory app that caters to musicians of all levels.
8. Piano Companion
Piano Companion is an excellent music theory app for beginners and anyone interested in music theory training.
It’s available for both iOS and Android users, with a free music theory app version that offers broad features.
On top of that, the premium version provides additional benefits like building and saving chords in your personal dictionary.
The app includes chord and scale dictionaries, which serve as valuable references. It explains the circle of fifths and offers chord pads to practice chord progressions.
On top of this, Piano Companion features a virtual piano for composing on the go and offers both free and paid piano courses.
It’s a must-have music theory app for piano enthusiasts and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of music theory.
9. Tenuto
If you own an iPhone, Tenuto is an excellent app for practicing music theory. It offers 24 exercises ranging from ear training to chord recognition.
Although it is a premium app, the price is reasonable considering the quality it delivers. It’s easily one of the best music theory apps for iPad.
Tenuto’s twin app, Theory Lessons, provides interactive and animated lessons that progressively become more advanced.
This combination of practical exercises and theoretical explanations makes Tenuto a great beginner’s app for learning music theory.
10. Music Theory Basics
Music Theory Basics is another great music theory app for iOS users. It offers a wide range of lessons, starting from note reading to complex rhythms and chords.
Although it comes at a slightly higher price, it provides a fun and educational learning experience.
The app includes quizzes and games to engage and stimulate your music theory and ear training.
11. EarMaster
EarMaster is an extensive music theory app available exclusively for iPad users. It offers exercises on interval and chord identification, accompanied by detailed theoretical explanations.
One unique feature of EarMaster is its support for external microphones and MIDI controllers. This one is easily the best Ipad app for learning music theory.
You can plug in your microphone to practice sight-reading and receive instant feedback, or use your MIDI keyboard to submit answers to Music Theory exercises.
It’s a powerful app for mastering music theory and ear training.
12. Complete Ear Trainer
For those using Android or iOS devices, Complete Ear Trainer is an excellent app for developing relative or absolute pitch.
It provides valuable insights into music theory, helping you better understand the ear training exercises it offers.
The app offers three different modes: Easy Mode, Classic Mode, and Arcade Mode, each consisting of various drills. It’s often touted as the best free music theory app.
On top of that, you can create custom training to focus on specific areas you want to improve.
Each chapter provides theoretical explanations to guide you through the exercises.
13. Music Theory Helper
Music Theory Helper is a free Android music theory app that provides insightful information about chords, intervals, scales, and the circle of fifths.
Although it has a more theoretical approach, it offers ear training and reading exercises to supplement your learning.
Sometimes, a little extra music theory can be beneficial before delving deeper into practical applications.
14. Functional Ear Trainer
Functional Ear Trainer is available for both Android and iOS, offering in-app purchases to enhance your aural skills.
The developers claim that just ten minutes of daily practice with this app can help you develop perfect aural skills. Thus, this is a great app for music theory for beginners.
It focuses on placing each tone in the context of a particular musical key, aiding the development of relative pitch.
To Wrap it Up: Best Music Theory and Ear Training Apps
Learning music theory can be an exciting challenge, thanks to the availability of these apps. Gone are the days when music theory was considered boring.
Now, with the advancements in technology, you can improve your music theory training, aural, and rhythmical skills anywhere, anytime.
Apps have completely changed how we learn music theory and practice ear training. They have interactive lessons and fun exercises that let us learn at our own speed, making it easier to get better at music production.
Mike is a skilled musician, guitar technician, and music producer with a passion for audio and gear. He excels in teaching guitar, editing podcasts/videos, and creating captivating soundscapes using cutting-edge hardware, software, and plugins. Mike’s talent and commitment make him highly sought-after in the industry, inspiring fellow musicians worldwide.
