Chord Identifier

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Chord Identifier is a real-time MIDI analysis software application (Windows/macOS) designed for musicians, composers, and music students. It functions as an advanced music theory tool that identifies chords within their harmonic context.
2. Core Value Proposition: It solves the problem of accurately identifying complex chords during performance or composition by combining real-time MIDI input analysis with a proprietary "harmonic gravity engine," providing context-aware chord naming based on the active musical key and scale.

Main Features

1. Context-Aware Chord Detection:

   • How it works: The software analyzes incoming MIDI note data in real-time. Its core algorithm (harmonic gravity engine) evaluates the intervallic relationships between played notes and their relationship to the currently active musical key and scale. This context prevents mislabeling (e.g., distinguishing Cmaj7 in C Major vs. Em9 in G Major).
   • Technology: Proprietary chord detection algorithm, MIDI input parsing, scale/key context integration.

2. Scale Mode & Auto-Detection:

   • How it works: Users manually select from 60+ scales (e.g., Major, Harmonic Minor, Dorian) and a root key. Notes within the scale highlight in pastel green; non-diatonic notes show red. After 30 notes are played, the software automatically detects the probable key and scale based on the note frequencies.
   • Technology: Scale database, statistical analysis for key detection, real-time visual feedback system.

3. Multi-Layout Visualizer:

   • How it works: Displays played chords via three interactive layouts: Dot Layout (abstract representation), Traditional Piano Roll, and Guitar Fretboard. The guitar layout includes a vertical chord diagram option. Users can adjust the visible key range (25, 49, 61, 88 keys) to match their MIDI controller.
   • Technology: Custom graphics rendering engine, MIDI-to-visual mapping.

4. Waterfall MIDI Player & Recorder:

   • How it works: Imports standard MIDI files (.mid) and displays notes in a downward-scrolling "waterfall" view for easy visualization. Includes playback controls, tempo adjustment, and transposition. The integrated recorder captures both MIDI data and WAV audio simultaneously during user performance for export to DAWs.
   • Technology: MIDI file parser, audio recording engine (likely using OS audio APIs), playback synchronization.

5. Native Synthesizer with Visual Feedback:

   • How it works: A built-in polyphonic synth features 2 oscillators, 1 noise generator, ADSR envelope, resonant filter with LFO modulation, reverb, delay, drive (bitcrush/saturation), and XY pads for real-time effect control (e.g., reverb decay/delay feedback via mouse gestures). Visual feedback includes an oscilloscope and spectrogram. Supports custom instrument creation from WAV samples and SF2/SFZ soundfonts.
   • Technology: Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for synthesis and effects, custom UI for parameter visualization.

6. Chord History & Search:

   • How it works: The Chord History panel (accessed via clock icon) logs recently played chords with context details. The Chord Search function allows users to type a chord name (e.g., "Cmaj7#11") and see its voicing displayed on the piano layout.
   • Technology: Data logging, chord database lookup, reverse chord search algorithm.

7. Quiz Mode:

   • How it works: An ear training tool that plays random notes or chords. Users identify the played sound. Difficulty levels adjust the complexity (single notes to chords). Includes replay and reference note (Middle C) functions.
   • Technology: Randomized note/chord generation, answer verification logic.

8. Customization & Utilities:

   • Includes: Metronome (configurable tempo, sound, time signature), Transpose tool (± semitones/octaves), Sticker system (custom images on different app windows), Dark Mode, Film Grain effect, UI Zoom (125%-200%), PC Keyboard MIDI input, Accent color customization, Sustain pedal/mod wheel/pitch bend support.
   • Technology: Various UI and utility modules.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Difficulty identifying complex chords during real-time playing or composition, especially within a specific key context. Traditional tools often provide isolated, context-free chord names.
2. Target Audience: Visual learners, music students, composers, songwriters, producers, and musicians learning music theory or exploring new harmonic ideas. Ideal for piano and guitar players.
3. Use Cases:
   • Learning chord voicings and theory during practice.
   • Transcribing harmonies from improvisation or composition in real-time.
   • Analyzing chord progressions in imported MIDI files.
   • Ear training through interactive quizzes.
   • Quickly finding how to play specific named chords.
   • Recording musical ideas with synchronized MIDI+Audio.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike basic chord identifier apps or websites, Chord Identifier provides context-aware naming based on the active key/scale, offers multiple visual layouts (Piano, Guitar, Abstract), includes a full-featured synth with visual feedback, a MIDI player/recorder, and advanced tools like auto-scale detection and chord history/search – all within a single, aesthetically focused application.
2. Key Innovation: The "Harmonic Gravity Engine" is the core innovation, enabling real-time, context-sensitive chord analysis. The integration of comprehensive features (synth, recorder, player, quiz, customization) around this core engine creates a unique, all-in-one music theory and practice workstation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What MIDI devices work with Chord Identifier?
   Chord Identifier works with any standard MIDI keyboard or controller connected to your Windows or macOS computer via USB or MIDI interface. It detects MIDI input automatically.

2. Can Chord Identifier help me learn music theory?
   Yes, its core features are designed for learning: Scale Mode highlights in-key notes, Chord History explains chords in context, Chord Search shows voicings, and Quiz Mode trains your ear – making it a powerful music theory companion.

3. Does it support soundfonts or custom instruments?
   Yes, you can import industry-standard SF2 and SFZ soundfont files. You can also create custom instruments by loading your own WAV samples directly within the software.

4. How accurate is the automatic chord detection?
   The context-aware "Harmonic Gravity Engine" provides highly accurate naming for chords within a defined key/scale. For very complex or ambiguous chords outside a set context, naming follows a "humane" approach prioritizing common musician terminology over purely mathematical accuracy. Accuracy improves with correct Scale Mode selection.

5. Can I use Chord Identifier without a MIDI keyboard?
   Yes, enable "PC Keyboard Input" in settings to use your computer's typing keyboard as a basic MIDI controller (e.g., Z = C, X = D). You can also load MIDI files into the Waterfall Player for analysis.