Real-time chord detection
Identifies chords as you play, including extensions, inversions, and slash chords, and spells the root, quality, and bass note live.
ChordViz
ReclamarChordViz is a standalone visual workspace for music teachers and creators that turns live MIDI and audio into chord, notation, theory, keyboard, and audio-reactive visuals. It also records video, audio, or MIDI natively without requiring a DAW.
A standalone music visualization workspace
ChordViz is a standalone visual workspace for music teachers and creators on Mac and Windows. It turns live MIDI and audio into chord, notation, theory, keyboard, and audio-reactive visuals that can be arranged into a dashboard and reopened later.
The app is built to support both teaching and performance workflows. Users can record takes as video, audio, or MIDI from inside the app, work with built-in instruments and input audio, and switch to a fullscreen or focus mode when they want the controls out of the way.
Core features
Custom dashboard layout
Lets you drag, drop, and resize up to 18 widgets on a snap-to-grid canvas, with free placement available while editing and the ability to save layouts for later.
Music theory and notation views
Shows keyboard, grand staff notation, circle of fifths, chromatic strip, chord readout, and other theory widgets so players can see what they are hearing and playing.
Recording inside the app
Records video, audio, or MIDI without leaving ChordViz, and can also capture the last 15 seconds of audio played.
Built-in and external instruments
Includes three sampled electric pianos and a built-in synth, and can also load user instruments through VST3 on Mac and Windows or Audio Units on macOS.
Audio-reactive metering and visuals
Provides oscilloscope, spectrum, spectrogram, waveform, VU, LUFS loudness, and stereo correlation tools for visualizing incoming sound.
Common ways to use ChordViz
Teaching harmony and ear training
Use the chord, keyboard, staff, and circle-of-fifths widgets to explain notes, chord names, and tonal context while demonstrating on a live instrument.
Creating a reusable lesson or performance layout
Build a dashboard once, save it, and reopen the same arrangement whenever you teach, stream, or rehearse.
Capturing practice or performance takes
Record the session as video, audio, or MIDI from inside the app, or grab the last 15 seconds of audio when you want to save an unscripted moment.
Running a screen-based music setup
Use fullscreen or focus mode on a second screen to show only the visuals, which is useful for classrooms, stage use, or demonstrations.
Playing through a familiar instrument setup
Load an instrument plugin, keep the patch stored with the layout, and reopen the same sound and visuals together later.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combines chord detection, notation, theory, and metering in one workspace.
- Runs as a standalone app on Mac and Windows with no DAW required.
- Supports native recording of video, audio, and MIDI.
- Allows users to save and reopen custom layouts and instrument patches.
- Includes built-in sounds as well as support for user-loaded instruments.
Cons
- Linux support is still in development and not yet available to download.
- Video recording requirements are platform-specific, including macOS 12.3+ and Windows 10 (1903)+.
- VST3 and Audio Unit support is for instruments, not audio effects.
FAQ
Does ChordViz require a DAW?
No. ChordViz runs as a standalone app, so you can open it, play, and record without loading it into a DAW.
What can ChordViz record?
It can record video, audio, or MIDI natively inside the app. It can also grab the last 15 seconds of audio you played.
Which platforms are supported?
ChordViz is available on macOS and Windows. Linux support is mentioned as being in development.
Can I use my own instruments?
Yes. The app supports loading instrument plugins, including VST3 on Mac and Windows and Audio Units on macOS.
Can layouts be saved and reused?
Yes. You can build a dashboard, save it, and reopen it later with the same widget arrangement; instrument patches are also stored with the layout.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Music visualization
- Platform
- macOS, Windows
- Product type
- Standalone app
- Primary users
- Music teachers and creators
- Website
- chordviz.ca
- Trial / pricing
- Free for 7 days, then $29 USD one-time for lifetime updates