Music
AI Tools for Music Theory and Composition: Complete Guide
Why AI Is Transforming Music Theory Education
Music theory used to mean textbooks, worksheets, and hoping you understood intervals correctly. Chord progressions required trial and error. Composition meant either knowing the rules or spending years learning them.
AI changes this completely. You can now ask ChatGPT "explain the circle of fifths" and get a clear explanation with examples. You can generate chord progressions that actually sound good without understanding voice leading. You can analyze any song's harmony instantly.
I learned music theory the traditional way—books, classes, exams. Now I'm using AI tools to compose piano pieces, and the difference is startling. What used to require hours of reference checking happens in seconds. Not because AI replaces understanding, but because it makes theory accessible and immediately applicable.
This guide covers the best AI tools for learning music theory and composition in 2025—what they do, what they cost, and how to integrate them into your creative workflow.
ChatGPT and Claude: Your Music Theory Tutors
Large language models like ChatGPT and Claude aren't specifically designed for music, but they're surprisingly effective for theory education and composition assistance.
What They Do Well
Theory explanations: Ask "Why does a diminished chord create tension?" and you get clear, detailed answers with musical examples. These AI models explain concepts at whatever depth you need—beginner-friendly or advanced analysis.
Chord progression suggestions: Prompt: "Give me a chord progression in C major that sounds melancholic" and ChatGPT provides multiple options with explanations of why each works.
Composition feedback: Describe your chord progression and ask for suggestions to make it more interesting. The AI analyzes harmonic movement and suggests substitutions, additions, or variations.
Analysis of existing songs: Ask "Analyze the chord progression in 'Let It Be' and explain why it works" and you get detailed harmonic analysis breaking down function, voice leading, and emotional impact.
Specific Prompts That Work
For learning theory:
"Explain secondary dominants using a progression in G major. Include an example and explain how they create harmonic interest."
For composition:
"I'm writing a song in Am with a sad, nostalgic feel. Suggest three different chord progressions. For each, explain what makes it effective and what emotional quality it creates."
For understanding songs:
"Analyze the verse progression of 'Creep' by Radiohead (G - B - C - Cm). Explain the function of each chord and why the Cm is so effective."
For problem-solving:
"My verse is in D major (D-A-Bm-G). I want the chorus to feel uplifting but different. Suggest three chorus progressions and explain the harmonic relationship to the verse."
Limitations to Know
ChatGPT and Claude can't listen to your music. They work with descriptions, not audio. If you describe a progression incorrectly, you'll get incorrect advice.
They also occasionally make theory mistakes—incorrect Roman numeral analysis, wrong interval identification, or suggesting progressions that don't follow the rules they just explained. Always verify important information, especially for formal study.
But for learning, brainstorming, and understanding concepts? They're remarkably effective and completely free (or $20/month for premium versions).
Hookpad Aria: AI-Powered Chord and Melody Generation
Hookpad by HookTheory is a browser-based composition tool with an integrated AI assistant called Aria. This is purpose-built for songwriting, not general AI repurposed for music.
What Makes Hookpad Different
Hookpad shows you chord progressions from thousands of popular songs. You can browse by genre, see what chords work together, and understand why certain progressions sound familiar.
Aria, the AI component launched in 2024, acts as a compositional co-pilot. According to research published on Hookpad Aria, the system has generated over 318,000 suggestions for 3,000 users, with 74,000 suggestions being accepted into actual songs.
How Aria Works
Chord progression generation: Start a song in C major, write the first two chords, then ask Aria to suggest what comes next. It provides options based on common progressions and music theory principles.
Melody generation from chords: You've written a chord progression but need a melody. Aria generates melodic options that fit harmonically and follow songwriting conventions.
Chord generation from melody: You hummed a melody and transcribed it. Aria suggests chord progressions that support your melody effectively.
Fill-in-the-middle: You have verse and chorus but the transition feels abrupt. Aria generates bridge material that connects them smoothly.
Pricing and Access
Hookpad subscription: $7.99/month or $79/year
Aria AI features: Included with Hookpad subscription
Free trial: Limited access to test the interface
This is significantly cheaper than AIVA or other dedicated composition tools while being more music-specific than ChatGPT.
Best Use Cases
Hookpad Aria excels for pop songwriting, especially if you're working on chord progressions and vocal melodies. It's less useful for orchestral composition, jazz improvisation, or avant-garde music.
The theory-grounded approach means suggestions actually follow harmonic principles. You're not getting random AI-generated music—you're getting musically informed suggestions you can learn from.
For more on integrating AI into overall music learning, see our guide on AI tools for learning music.
AIVA: Professional AI Composition for Film and Games
AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) is the heavyweight of AI composition tools. First registered with SACEM in 2016, it's designed for creating complete orchestral and cinematic scores.
What AIVA Does
AIVA composes full instrumental pieces—not just chord progressions or melodies, but complete arrangements with multiple instruments, dynamics, and structure.
You select a genre (orchestral, electronic, rock, jazz, etc.), set parameters like tempo and key, optionally upload a MIDI file for influence, and AIVA generates a complete composition.
The quality is remarkably high. According to comprehensive AIVA reviews, the tool's latest "Lyra" model generates instrumental music from text prompts with professional-grade results suitable for film and game scoring.
Practical Workflow
Step 1: Choose composition style (cinematic, classical, electronic, etc.)
Step 2: Set musical parameters (key, tempo, duration, instruments)
Step 3: Generate initial composition
Step 4: Edit in AIVA's built-in score editor (modify notes, dynamics, instrumentation)
Step 5: Export as MIDI, MP3, or WAV for use in your projects
The built-in editor lets you modify every note, making AIVA more of a starting point than a final product. You're collaborating with AI, not just accepting its output.
Pricing Structure
Free Plan: €0/month - 3 downloads per month - Up to 3-minute tracks - MP3/MIDI export - Copyright owned by AIVA (you must credit them) - No monetization allowed Standard Plan: €11/month (€132/year) - 15 downloads per month - Up to 5-minute tracks - MP3/MIDI export - Copyright owned by AIVA - Limited monetization (YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram only) Pro Plan: €33/month (€396/year) - 300 downloads per month - Up to 5:30 minute tracks - All formats including WAV - YOU own the copyright - Full unrestricted monetization
The Pro plan is essential if you're creating music professionally. The copyright ownership alone justifies the cost for commercial projects.
Who Should Use AIVA
Film composers: Generate temp scores or starting points for scenes
Game developers: Create background music for different game levels
Content creators: Produce royalty-free music for videos
Composers learning orchestration: Study how AIVA arranges for different instruments
AIVA is overkill if you just want to learn chord progressions. It's built for people creating complete musical works.
Specialized Tools for Specific Theory Needs
Beyond the major platforms, several specialized tools address specific music theory and composition challenges.
Chordbot: Intelligent Chord Progression Builder
What it does: Generate chord progressions with automatic voice leading and bass lines. Choose a style (jazz, rock, pop) and Chordbot creates progressions that follow genre conventions.
Pricing: iOS app $4.99 one-time purchase
Best for: Songwriters who need quick chord ideas with proper voice leading
Chordbot isn't strictly AI, but its intelligent progression suggestions based on style analysis function similarly. It's particularly good for understanding how chords move in different genres.
MuseNet (OpenAI): Experimental Composition
What it does: Generate compositions in various styles combining different instruments and genres. You can start with a few notes and have MuseNet continue in styles ranging from Mozart to Beatles to jazz.
Pricing: Free (experimental tool)
Best for: Exploring unusual genre combinations and experimental composition
MuseNet is more experimental than practical. It creates interesting results but requires significant editing. Think of it as a creativity spark rather than a production tool.
Magenta Studio: Open-Source AI Music Tools
What it does: Suite of AI tools that run as plugins in Ableton Live. Generate continuations of melodies, create variations, interpolate between two musical ideas, and more.
Pricing: Free and open-source
Best for: Producers using Ableton who want AI assistance integrated directly into their DAW
According to AI MIDI tool reviews, Magenta Studio is unique because it works offline and doesn't require cloud processing. Privacy-focused musicians appreciate this.
Scaler 2: Chord Discovery and Theory Learning
What it does: VST plugin that suggests chords, shows scale relationships, and helps you understand harmonic movement. Not purely AI, but uses intelligent algorithms to suggest musically appropriate options.
Pricing: $59 one-time purchase
Best for: Producers learning theory while making beats and electronic music
Scaler 2 is excellent for electronic music producers who want to understand theory in context of their productions.
How to Use AI to Analyze Existing Songs
One of the most powerful learning methods: analyze songs you love to understand what makes them work. AI accelerates this dramatically.
Using ChatGPT for Song Analysis
Basic analysis prompt:
"Analyze the chord progression of 'Wonderwall' by Oasis. The verse uses Em7-G-Dsus4-A7sus4. Explain the harmonic function of each chord, why this progression works emotionally, and what makes it memorable."
ChatGPT provides detailed analysis explaining that this stays primarily in one tonal center while creating forward motion through suspended chords, creating the anthemic quality the song is known for.
Comparative analysis prompt:
"Compare the verse progressions of 'Let It Be' (C-G-Am-F) and 'Don't Stop Believin'' (E-B-C#m-A). Both are I-V-vi-IV progressions in different keys. Explain why this progression is so popular and what subtle differences in how each song uses it create different emotional effects."
This helps you understand not just isolated progressions but pattern recognition across multiple songs.
Using Hookpad's Theory Tab Database
Hookpad's TheoryTab contains over 40,000 analyzed songs showing exact chord progressions and melodies. You can:
- Search for songs using specific chord progressions
- See what songs share similar harmonic movement
- Understand how popular songs use theory concepts
- Export progressions to experiment with in your own compositions
This database makes pattern recognition effortless. Want to know how songs in minor keys create uplifting choruses? Search and analyze dozens of examples in minutes.
Practical Analysis Workflow
Step 1: Choose a song you want to understand
Step 2: Look it up in Hookpad's TheoryTab for the accurate progression
Step 3: Ask ChatGPT to analyze why that progression works
Step 4: Try creating your own progression using similar principles
Step 5: Use Hookpad Aria to refine your version
This combines AI tools for maximum learning efficiency. You're not just passively consuming theory—you're actively applying it.
Integrating AI Into Your Composition Workflow
AI tools work best when integrated thoughtfully into your creative process, not used as replacements for musical thinking.
Workflow 1: AI-Assisted Songwriting
Starting point: You have a melody idea but no chords
Step 1: Record or transcribe your melody in Hookpad
Step 2: Use Aria to generate chord progression suggestions
Step 3: Try multiple AI suggestions and pick what feels right
Step 4: Ask ChatGPT "Why does this progression work with my melody?"
Step 5: Refine based on understanding, not just what sounds good
This workflow uses AI for inspiration and speed while building your theoretical understanding.
Workflow 2: Theory Learning Through Composition
Goal: Understand how modulations work
Step 1: Ask ChatGPT: "Explain modulation from C major to G major using a pivot chord. Provide a chord progression example."
Step 2: Create the suggested progression in Hookpad
Step 3: Use Aria to generate variations of the same modulation
Step 4: Compare the variations to understand what's essential vs. optional
Step 5: Compose your own piece using modulation
This turns abstract theory into concrete musical experience.
Workflow 3: Film Scoring with AIVA
Project: Background music for a YouTube video
Step 1: Describe the mood to ChatGPT: "I need background music for a travel video about Iceland—contemplative, expansive, slightly melancholic"
Step 2: ChatGPT suggests musical characteristics (minor key, slow tempo, strings and piano, sparse texture)
Step 3: Input these parameters into AIVA
Step 4: Generate 3-5 options
Step 5: Edit the best option in AIVA's score editor
Step 6: Export and sync with video
This combines AI consultation, generation, and manual refinement for professional results.
For more comprehensive approaches to self-directed music learning, check our guide on building an AI-powered self-education system.
What AI Still Can't Teach About Music Theory
AI tools are powerful but have clear limitations. Understanding these helps you use them effectively without developing gaps in knowledge.
AI Can't Develop Your Ear
Chord progressions on paper don't train your ears to hear intervals, recognize chord qualities, or transcribe music by ear. AI can explain what a perfect fifth sounds like, but it can't make you hear it instantly in music.
You need traditional ear training: singing intervals, transcribing simple melodies, identifying chord progressions by ear. Apps like EarMaster or Functional Ear Trainer complement AI theory learning.
AI Can't Teach Stylistic Nuance
AI can generate a jazz progression, but it can't teach you how jazz musicians actually use those chords—the rhythmic placement, the voicings, the subtle variations that make it swing.
Understanding style requires listening to lots of music in that genre and, ideally, learning from musicians who play it. AI provides theoretical framework, not stylistic fluency.
AI Can't Replace Practice
Knowing that a chord progression works theoretically doesn't mean you can play it. Theory without practice is useless.
Use AI to understand what to practice, then put in the hours actually playing. Theory accelerates practical learning, but it doesn't replace it. For more on this, see our article on why AI can't replace real practice.
AI Can't Judge Artistic Merit
AI can tell you if a progression follows voice leading rules. It cannot tell you if your song is emotionally impactful, whether your melody is memorable, or if your arrangement serves the song.
These require human judgment, experience, and taste. AI assists with craft, not art.
Choosing the Right Tools for Your Needs
Different goals require different tools. Here's how to decide what to use.
If You're Learning Music Theory Basics
Primary tool: ChatGPT (free or $20/month)
Supplementary: Hookpad free version for visualizing concepts
Total cost: $0-20/month
ChatGPT explains concepts clearly, provides examples, and answers follow-up questions. This is sufficient for learning fundamentals—scales, intervals, chord construction, basic progressions.
If You're a Songwriter Building Skills
Primary tool: Hookpad with Aria ($7.99/month)
Supplementary: ChatGPT for theory explanations
Total cost: $8-28/month
Hookpad lets you compose while learning. Aria provides musically informed suggestions. ChatGPT explains why things work. This combination accelerates both theory learning and songwriting ability.
If You're Composing for Media (Film, Games, Content)
Primary tool: AIVA Pro ($33/month or $396/year)
Supplementary: ChatGPT for concept development
Total cost: $33-53/month
AIVA generates professional-quality instrumental music you can legally monetize. The Pro plan's copyright ownership is essential for commercial work.
If You're a Producer Making Electronic Music
Primary tools: Magenta Studio (free) + Scaler 2 ($59 one-time)
Supplementary: ChatGPT for theory questions
Total cost: $59 initial + $0-20/month
These integrate directly into your DAW. Magenta provides AI generation, Scaler provides chord discovery and theory context, ChatGPT answers questions as they arise during production.
If You're on a Tight Budget
Tools: ChatGPT free + MuseNet free + Hookpad free version
Total cost: $0/month
This combination provides theory education, basic composition tools, and experimentation capabilities without spending anything. Upgrade to paid tools once you've confirmed music theory is something you'll pursue seriously.
The Future of AI Music Theory Education
AI music tools are improving rapidly. Understanding where they're headed helps you invest time in tools with staying power.
What's Coming Soon
Real-time audio analysis: Current AI tools work with text or MIDI. Near-future tools will analyze audio directly—hum a melody, and AI transcribes and harmonizes it immediately.
Personalized learning paths: AI will track what theory concepts you understand versus struggle with, automatically adjusting explanations and exercises to your specific gaps.
Integrated teaching environments: Rather than using multiple separate tools, expect unified platforms combining theory explanation, composition assistance, and practice feedback in one interface.
Better genre understanding: Current AI handles Western pop/rock theory well but struggles with jazz, world music, and avant-garde styles. This will improve as training data expands.
What to Focus On Now
Don't wait for perfect tools. The current generation is already remarkably effective. Start learning with what's available today:
- Use ChatGPT to build theory fundamentals
- Experiment with Hookpad Aria or AIVA based on your goals
- Most importantly: compose music, not just study theory
AI makes theory accessible, but you still need to create music to internalize concepts. Theory without composition is academic. Composition with theory understanding is artistic.
Getting Started: Your First Week With AI Music Theory
Here's a practical plan to begin using AI tools effectively this week.
Day 1: Set Up Your Tools
- Create free ChatGPT account (or upgrade to Plus if you want GPT-4)
- Sign up for Hookpad free trial
- Test both interfaces to ensure they work properly
Day 2: Learn One Concept Deeply
Ask ChatGPT: "Explain the I-IV-V-I progression. Why is it so common? Provide examples in C major and A minor. Explain the emotional quality."
Then create the progression in Hookpad to hear it.
Day 3: Analyze a Favorite Song
Look up a song you love in Hookpad's TheoryTab. Ask ChatGPT to explain why the progression works. Try creating a variation using Aria.
Day 4: Compose Something Simple
Create an 8-bar chord progression in Hookpad using what you learned. Use Aria for suggestions when stuck. Don't worry about it being good—focus on applying theory.
Day 5: Study Voice Leading
Ask ChatGPT: "Explain voice leading principles. How do I make chord transitions smooth? Show me examples of good vs. poor voice leading."
Apply these principles to your Day 4 composition.
Day 6: Experiment with Modulation
Ask ChatGPT for a simple modulation example. Create it in Hookpad. Ask Aria to suggest variations. Understand what's happening harmonically.
Day 7: Create a Complete 16-Bar Piece
Combine everything learned this week. Create an 8-bar verse and 8-bar chorus with different progressions. Use AI tools for suggestions but make final decisions based on your ears and growing understanding.
By the end of week one, you'll have learned more practical theory than many people learn in months of traditional study—because you're learning by doing, with AI providing immediate feedback and guidance.
The Bottom Line: AI as Your Theory Teacher and Co-Composer
AI tools democratize music theory education and composition assistance. What once required expensive lessons, specialized software, and years of study is now accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
ChatGPT and Claude provide patient, detailed theory explanations at any hour. Hookpad Aria offers intelligent composition assistance grounded in music theory principles. AIVA generates professional-quality orchestral arrangements. Specialized tools like Magenta Studio and Scaler 2 integrate AI into production workflows.
But these are tools, not replacements for musical thinking. Use AI to learn faster, compose more efficiently, and understand theory more deeply—not to avoid developing your own musical judgment.
The best approach combines AI assistance with traditional learning: use AI to explain concepts, generate starting points, and provide immediate feedback. Use your ears, practice, and critical thinking to develop actual musicianship.
AI makes music theory accessible to everyone. Whether you use it is now the only question. The tools exist, they're affordable (often free), and they work remarkably well.
Start with ChatGPT and Hookpad this week. Ask questions, compose small pieces, analyze songs you love. Build understanding through doing, not just reading about theory.
Music theory isn't mysterious or impossible anymore. With AI assistance, it's just a series of questions, experiments, and compositions away from clicking into place.
Now stop reading and start creating.