OnSong Vs. Chordly: Which One’s Best for Chord Sheets with Lyrics?

Musicians looking for efficient ways to create chord sheets with lyrics often come across two popular platforms: OnSong and Chordly. Both tools offer unique approaches to organizing and editing chord sheets, but which one truly stands out? In this comparison, we'll dive into each platform's strengths and weaknesses, focusing on ease of use, key features, and how they cater to different types of musicians.

Overview of OnSong

OnSong is a well-established app, primarily designed for iOS users, that allows musicians to create, organize, and share chord charts. It has been around for quite some time and has developed a loyal user base, particularly among worship bands and live performers. Some of the key features include:

• Importing chord charts from various formats (PDFs, Word, etc.)
• Real-time editing and syncing across devices
• Integration with audio backing tracks for live performances
• Support for MIDI devices and foot pedals
• Customizable layouts and themes for chord charts
• Annotation tools for making notes on chord sheets

OnSong is particularly known for its flexibility in a live performance setting. Musicians can easily switch between songs, adjust keys, and even sync lyrics with backing tracks. However, its complexity and reliance on iOS devices can be a drawback for those looking for a more intuitive and widely accessible platform.

Overview of Chordly

Chordly is a web-based platform designed to simplify the process of creating chord sheets with lyrics. With its drag-and-drop interface and AI-powered tools, Chordly takes the complexity out of organizing and editing chords, making it ideal for songwriters and musicians who want a quick, seamless experience. Here are Chordly's standout features:

• Web-based (no download): Accessible on any device with an internet connection, though it is recommended for desktop use.
• Drag-and-drop chords over lyrics: Easily place chords over lyrics without advanced formatting—simply drag and drop.
• AI Sheet Organizer: Automatically formats your lyrics into sections, saving time and eliminating manual input.
• Synonym Finder & Rhyme Finder: AI tools that assist songwriters during the creative process.
• PDF Downloads: Export your chord sheets to PDF for free, making sharing easy.
• Seamless integration of tabs: Add guitar tabs alongside lyrics and chords in a straightforward way.
• Versatile display: Your chord sheets adapt to screen sizes without losing formatting.
• Collaboration tools: Add friends or collaborators to your sheet, allowing real-time editing and input from others.

Chordly stands out for its ease of use, particularly for those creating chord sheets from scratch. The platform is intuitive, allowing users to get started without any learning curve. Its AI features streamline the songwriting process, making it ideal for both songwriters and musicians looking to create clean, professional chord sheets with minimal effort.

Head-to-Head Comparison: OnSong vs. Chordly

1. Ease of Use

Chordly: One of Chordly's greatest strengths is its simple, intuitive interface. The drag-and-drop feature allows users to add chords directly over lyrics, which makes creating sheets fast and hassle-free. The AI-powered sheet organizer is a huge time saver, especially for musicians who prefer a streamlined process without tedious formatting.

OnSong: OnSong is known for its flexibility, but this comes at the cost of a steeper learning curve. While it offers many advanced features, such as MIDI integration and customizable layouts, users often need time to master the platform. It’s better suited for musicians with experience in digital tools or those who need more control in a live setting.

2. Device Compatibility

Chordly: As a web-based tool, Chordly is accessible on any device with a browser, though it is optimized for desktop use. This gives it a broad reach, making it available to musicians on both Mac and PC. However, Chordly can be less user-friendly on smaller screens like smartphones.

OnSong: OnSong is exclusively available for iOS, which limits its accessibility for those on Android or desktop platforms. While it excels on iPads and iPhones, its lack of cross-platform support can be a barrier for many users.

3. Chord Sheet Creation

Chordly: Chordly shines in this area with its drag-and-drop feature for adding chords over lyrics. It’s perfect for users who want to create polished chord sheets without needing to manually format each line. Additionally, the ability to seamlessly add tabs to the sheets provides versatility for guitarists who need both chords and tabs in their song arrangements.

OnSong: OnSong offers a wide range of customization options, allowing users to import chord charts from various formats and adjust layouts. However, for creating chord sheets from scratch, its interface can feel more complex compared to Chordly’s streamlined approach.

4. AI and Automation Features

Chordly: One of Chordly’s most compelling features is its AI Sheet Organizer, which automatically arranges lyrics into sections and lines. This is especially useful for songwriters who want to focus on creativity rather than formatting. The AI-powered tools like the synonym and rhyme finder further enhance the songwriting process, making it easier to craft lyrics without getting stuck on word choices.

OnSong: OnSong does not currently offer AI-powered tools, which means users will need to manually format and organize their chord sheets. While OnSong provides many advanced tools for live performance, it lacks the automated features that streamline the sheet creation process.

5. Live Performance Features

OnSong: OnSong’s strongest advantage is its live performance features. It integrates with MIDI devices, foot pedals, and allows real-time syncing of lyrics with backing tracks. For musicians who frequently perform live, these features make OnSong an attractive choice.

Chordly: While Chordly is more focused on chord sheet creation, it does offer an adjustable autoscroll feature that’s useful for playing along to your sheets. Its Play Mode allows musicians to view and play from their sheet without risking accidental edits, but it doesn’t have the same level of live performance integration as OnSong.

6. Collaboration and Sharing

Chordly: Chordly excels in collaboration by allowing users to add friends and collaborators to a sheet. Multiple editors can work on the same sheet in real-time, making it ideal for songwriting teams or bands working on arrangements together. Chord sheets can also be downloaded as PDFs for free.

OnSong: OnSong allows sharing of chord sheets, but the collaboration features aren’t as robust as Chordly’s. While you can sync between devices, real-time editing with other users isn’t as seamless.

Which One is Best for Chord Sheets with Lyrics?

The decision between OnSong and Chordly ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. If you need a highly customizable tool with advanced live performance features, OnSong may be the better option. It’s ideal for musicians who regularly perform live and need the flexibility of syncing with other devices and backing tracks.

However, if your primary focus is creating chord sheets with ease, Chordly offers a much more intuitive and efficient solution. Its drag-and-drop feature, AI tools, and seamless chord/tab integration make it perfect for musicians and songwriters who want to focus on their creativity rather than navigating complex software. Plus, the platform’s collaboration features make it a great choice for teams working together on songs.

For musicians who prioritize simplicity, songwriting, and chord sheet creation, Chordly stands out as the best option.

Takeaways

• OnSong is a powerful tool for live performers, offering advanced features like MIDI integration and backing track syncing. However, it has a steeper learning curve and is only available on iOS.
• Chordly is a web-based platform that excels in creating chord sheets with its drag-and-drop interface and AI-powered tools, making it simple for musicians and songwriters.
• If live performance features are your top priority, OnSong may be more suitable, but for those focused on easy chord sheet creation and songwriting, Chordly is the better choice.