Customer Reviews (100)

Ken Houston • 2025-03-08T21:10:10.660Z

Absolutely priceless resource for jazzers at any level, tracks very realistic and easy to adjust and help from real people when you need it

Byron Daniele • 2025-03-07T02:06:49.120Z

works great highly recommend

Tom Williams • 2025-03-05T17:42:02.620Z

Over fussy.on number of chords per Bar. Very repetitive and not helpful for improvising which is ( my opinion ) the soul of jazz. A little rethink could possibly put everything right on a marvellous concept.

Summary of Key Insights

iReal Pro is a highly valued tool among musicians, particularly those involved in jazz, for practice, gigging, and sharing chord charts. Its strengths lie in its extensive library of songs, realistic backing tracks, transposition capabilities, and helpful customer support. However, users express concerns about the app's editing interface, forum moderation, feature limitations (e.g., lack of Roman numeral notation, inability to easily import local files), and occasional technical issues like static and login problems. The overall sentiment is very positive, reflected in the high percentage of 5-star reviews, but addressing the identified pain points and feature requests could further enhance user satisfaction and broaden the app's appeal.

Quantitatively, the app has a very strong positive bias:

  • Overall Rating: High, based on score distribution.
  • 5-Star Reviews: 70%
  • 4-Star Reviews: 10%
  • 3-Star Reviews: 9%
  • 2-Star Reviews: 5%
  • 1-Star Reviews: 6%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent based on the version number (2025.3).
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Determining the overall positive, negative, or neutral sentiment expressed in the reviews.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently used words and phrases to understand common themes and issues.
    • Frequency Analysis: Counting the occurrences of specific issues and feature requests.
    • Content Analysis: Manually reviewing the reviews to identify underlying reasons for ratings and extract actionable insights.

Key User Pain Points

  • Editing Interface: Several users find the editing process cumbersome and not user-friendly. This makes creating and modifying charts more difficult than it should be.
  • Forum Issues: Complaints about strict moderation policies on the forums, limiting song additions and hindering community contributions. A non-functional forum was also reported.
  • Feature Limitations:
    • Lack of Roman numeral notation is a significant drawback for music theory and jazz students.
    • Difficulty importing local files.
    • Limited display options, specifically regarding background color customization.
    • Inability to add lyrics to charts.
    • Lack of rewind function by chords or bars.
  • Technical Issues:
    • Static and tempo slowdown during playback.
    • Login problems.
    • Compatibility issues with certain devices or emulators (e.g., Bluestacks, older Android versions after reset).
    • Problems installing on multiple devices with the same account.
  • PC Version Limitations: Some features available on Android and Apple are missing on the PC version (e.g., exporting MIDI or PDF).

Frequently Requested Features

  • Roman Numeral Notation: A very common request, particularly from jazz and music theory students.
  • Improved Editing Interface: A more intuitive and user-friendly editor.
  • Easier Import of Local Files: Streamlining the process of adding custom charts.
  • Lyric Support: The ability to add lyrics to chord charts.
  • Rewind Function: Ability to rewind by chords, seconds, or bars.
  • More Rhythms/Styles: Specific requests for Calypso and Soca rhythms, and better categorization of R&B songs.
  • External MIDI Playback: Allow external MIDI playback.
  • Bluetooth Page Turner Support (Android): Parity with the iPad version.
  • German Notation: Option for German notation (B->H).
  • Scales Fret Diagram for Guitar: Add the scales fret diagram (major minor pentatonic blues ...etc) in the chords library as reference for guitarist.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Extensive Song Library: Access to thousands of user-created arrangements through the forums.
  • Realistic Backing Tracks: High-quality accompaniment that simulates a real band.
  • Transposition Capabilities: Easy transposition to any key or number notation.
  • Chord Diagrams: Display of guitar, ukulele tabs, and piano fingerings.
  • Customer Support: Praised for being responsive, helpful, and patient.
  • Ease of Use (General): Many users find the app easy to use and navigate, especially for accessing existing songs.
  • Value for Money: Considered a worthwhile investment by many users.
  • Versatility: Useful for practice, gigging, rehearsals, and composition.
  • Platform Availability: Broad support for major platforms (Android, iOS, PC).

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Technical Issues: Fix the static and tempo slowdown problems, login issues, and device compatibility problems. These issues directly impact usability and can lead to frustration.
  • Implement Roman Numeral Notation: This feature is highly requested and would significantly enhance the app's value for music students and jazz musicians.
  • Improve Editing Interface: Simplify the editing process to make it more intuitive and user-friendly.
  • Review and Adjust Forum Moderation Policies: Strike a balance between maintaining quality and encouraging user contributions. Ensure the forum is functional.

Medium Priority:

  • Add Lyric Support: This would make the app more useful for singers and performers.
  • Implement Rewind Function: Allow users to easily rewind to specific sections of a song.
  • Improve Local File Import: Streamline the process of importing custom charts.
  • Expand Rhythm/Style Options: Add more diverse rhythm styles, including Calypso and Soca, and improve genre categorization.
  • Enhance Display Options: Provide more customization options for background colors and themes.
  • Add Scales Fret Diagram for Guitar: Add the scales fret diagram (major minor pentatonic blues ...etc) in the chords library as reference for guitarist.

Low Priority:

  • External MIDI Playback: Implement external MIDI playback.
  • Bluetooth Page Turner Support (Android): Parity with the iPad version.
  • German Notation: Option for German notation (B->H).
  • Themed Icon: Add support for a themed icon.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Chord Chart Generation: Develop a feature that automatically generates chord charts from audio recordings, potentially using AI to identify chords and structure.
  • Interactive Music Theory Lessons: Integrate interactive music theory lessons directly into the app, leveraging the existing chord charts and backing tracks.
  • Collaborative Chart Editing: Allow multiple users to collaboratively edit chord charts in real-time, facilitating remote band rehearsals and songwriting sessions.
  • Personalized Practice Plans: Create personalized practice plans based on the user's skill level and musical goals, utilizing the app's features and content.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Positive Sentiment: The app enjoys a very positive reputation among its user base.
  • Long-Term User Loyalty: Many users have been using the app for years, indicating strong satisfaction and continued value.
  • Cross-Platform Usage: Users utilize the app across multiple devices (Android, iOS, PC), highlighting the need for consistent functionality and data synchronization.
  • Focus on Jazz and Standards: While the app is versatile, its core user base appears to be focused on jazz and standard repertoire.
  • Customer Service Appreciated: The positive feedback regarding customer service suggests it is a key differentiator and should be maintained.
  • Feature Parity Desired: Users expect similar features across different platforms (e.g., Bluetooth page turner on Android).

Conclusion

iReal Pro is a valuable tool for musicians, particularly those in the jazz community. Its strengths lie in its extensive library, realistic backing tracks, and helpful customer support. By addressing the identified pain points, implementing frequently requested features, and exploring innovative opportunities, the developers can further enhance user satisfaction, broaden the app's appeal, and solidify its position as a leading music practice and performance tool. Investing in improving the editing interface and addressing technical issues should be a top priority.

Overall Recommendation: Continue to invest in development and customer support to maintain the app's strong reputation and address user needs.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.massimobiolcati.irealb