Being a musician can be an expensive hobby, especially with the amount of gear and tools you might need to purchase to improve your skills or record your songs. However, there are many incredible iPhone apps that can replace expensive pieces of equipment without sacrificing quality.
After all, most people have a smartphone. Why not download the best musical apps to improve your skills and have fun at the same time?
1. GarageBand
GarageBand brings the power of a DAW to your iPhone or iPad, and is built for beginners and experts alike. With a variety of features, GarageBand has something for musicians of every genre. From electronic music to country and blues, you can turn your song ideas into something ready to share.
Garageband gives you the option to use (virtual) traditional instruments to produce your next single, or record over live drum loops. With dozens of amps and pedals, you can get the power of guitar pedals right from your iOS device and record your riffs. It also includes drum machines and synth effects, which are great for electronic musicians.
For those who want to do a little more with GarageBand, there are additional sound packs, libraries, and instruments you can purchase to perfect your song. GarageBand also exports to Apple Logic, a popular production software that’s used in music studios all over the world.
Download: GarageBand (Free)
2. Pro Metronome
Musicians of all experience levels and genres can benefit from a metronome. Gone are the days when you had to purchase a physical metronome at the local music store. Now you can easily download and use one on your mobile device.
While there are many metronome apps available, only one stands out from the rest: Pro Metronome. This app not only has the traditional metronome beats, but also has an option for sensory images like camera flashes or vibrations.
Pro Metronome's practice mode makes it easy to rehearse without having to leave your instrument to change settings. You can increase BPM at a certain point automatically, allowing you to run through scales or practice songs faster each time.
Download: Pro Metronome (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. Reason Compact
Reason Compact brings the power of Reason Studios' desktop production software to your iOS device. Designed for iPad, this app has plenty of features for beginners to help them learn the basics of a DAW. But it also has plenty of features for experts (or future experts) as you continue using the app.
It’s a great app for anyone who uses Reason as their main desktop production software, as you can easily export sounds from mobile to desktop to edit and perfect later. This makes it a great option for jotting down song ideas when you’re on the go.
Reason Studios is also known for its incredible-sounding synths, many of which are included in the mobile app. Those who use a MIDI keyboard and are able to connect it to your iPhone or iPad can experience full MIDI keyboard support. Reason Compact also gives you the option to collaborate with other musicians in real-time.
Download: Reason Compact (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. EGDR808
Ever want to jam but don’t have a drummer nearby? The EGDR808 app solves this issue with its powerful drum machine. With a 16-step sequencer, 12 programmable rhythms, and easy autofill technology, you can get started in just a few minutes.
This app is great for practicing your skills or writing songs, even on the go. One of the best features is that it allows you to connect with other musicians using Ableton Link, so you can share your creations or get inspiration.
The sounds of this drum machine are vintage '80s and '90s style drums, which make it perfect for live performances and live jam sessions. However, there are plenty of ways to edit the sounds within the app to get creative and generate new, unique beats.
Download: EGDR808 (Free, premium version available)
5. Chordify
Chordify makes learning new songs and jamming with friends super easy. Chordify is a song database, which contains chord progressions for tons of songs (some 22 million at the time of writing). Currently, the database has chords for guitar, piano, and ukulele.
For those looking to expand their skill set, there’s an entire library of curated content and the ability to see trending songs. Chordify also integrates with YouTube to allow you to play along with any song you pick. You can also save your favorite songs so there’s no need to go back and search for them later. Perhaps you'll want to save all the songs you’ve previously learned for reference.
The animated charts are also exclusive to each instrument. This means that no matter what you play, you can see the basics of a chord and where your fingers should be positioned. It's extremely helpful if you’ve never played that chord before!
Download: Chordify (Free, subscription available)
6. SoundLab
One of the most powerful editing apps available on iPhone (which is even comparable to those on desktops), SoundLab has tons of features that make mixing and mastering your songs easy.
One feature that sets this app apart is its use of AI, which separates vocals from instruments on nearly every song. This feature is adored by electronic musicians, who use this feature for song remixes. Hip-hop artists can record their own remixes of a popular beat without having to rap over previous vocals.
Aside from editing, SoundLab also allows instant recording within the app, so you can record and remix vocals and import them into any other app you’re using to record or jam.
Download: SoundLab (Free, premium version available)
7. Amuse
Have you made some cool music on your iPhone or iPad that you think is ready to release? Amuse makes this process easy. It's is a digital distribution service that simplifies the process of submitting your music to Spotify, Apple Music, and other popular streaming platforms.
It even submits to TikTok and YouTube, something not all distributors do. Amuse allows you to keep 100% of your royalties and provides same-day payouts.
The Amuse app lets you upload your songs and get them ready for distribution in a matter of minutes. You can upload your stored singles or albums from iCloud or Dropbox, and submit them on the go from any iOS device.
If you have your own record label, it even allows you to split royalties.
Download: Amuse (Free, subscription available)
Your iPhone or iPad: A Musician's Companion
As we've seen, there are many great apps for musicians that use an iPhone or iPad. Beginner musicians can rejoice knowing they can get professional equipment effects without having to shell out large amounts of money. Expert musicians can also benefit from these apps, as they allow you to improve or record on the go, saving you a trip to the studio (or logging into your computer).
With these free apps downloaded, you'll be prepared for whenever creative inspiration strikes!