I’m always looking for ways to increase my efficiency AND capture my composition ideas on the go. When I had a few extra minutes one day, I was browsing the app store for songwriting apps and ended up downloading …
‘Songwriter Lite’.
I have to say that I am enjoying it quite a bit! There was a recent update to the free version that limits the number of songs you can create to 5. While the previous version had no restrictions. I guess you can’t blame the guys for wanting to get paid for a great app.
I find myself using the app regularly. In fact, I came up with a song while out to dinner. The app lets you divide each section, record audio for each section, and rhyme on the go. Of course, you may have to run to the bathroom if you get too many funny looks from other diners.
Pros
- Laptop!
- The chord selector feature lets you choose your key, then when you go to add a chord, it gives you all the relevant chords in that key!
- We are going to add its own tab showing the guitar string diagram
- Automatically backs up to your Dropbox account
- Record separate audio for each section if necessary
- Built-in rhyming dictionary … use it by selecting the word and pressing the right arrow to view eligible rhymes or synonyms or other dictionary items.
- You can send yourself or your co-author a version of the song you are working on.
Cons
- 5 song limit unless you upgrade to Pro / Full version for $ 5.99
- It can take up space quite quickly on a smartphone with small memory
- It is difficult to switch to chord charts for other instruments.
- I have to tap once to see the menu that is normally hidden by the ads at the top of the screen (it took me a minute to figure it out)
Some other things to keep in mind, it took me a minute to realize that I needed to tap once on the screen in View / Edit mode for the ads at the top to disappear. Otherwise, the ads lock the menu to add new chords, jump to the next section, etc.
And it took me a minute to figure out how to use the rhyming dictionary. You need to select only the specific word you want … then tap the right arrow next to the cut / copy / paste options that appear to access the dictionary, synonyms, and rhyming dictionary. It’s not a big deal, just be prepared.
general
It always seems like $ 5.99 is a huge cost in app land. I found that skipping my weekly Starbucks and buying an app like this once in a while … it makes my life so much easier. I’ve been looking for a way to record my ideas in one place, on the go. If you are a serious songwriter or just looking for a way to simplify your life. Without a doubt, this is an excellent option.
There is also a version from the Mac store for $ 9.99 that I have not used. Frankly, I probably won’t. I find the portability of my iPhone much easier and also I’m not sure if the Mac and iPhone version syncs … which makes it useless in my world.
Do what I do … ask everyone for App Store gift cards for Christmas and birthdays!
Check out Songwriter Lite in the app store here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/songwriter-lite-songwriting/id447771549?mt=8
Or the full version in:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/songwriter-songwriting-made/id422227894?mt=8
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
