Riffstation
Riffstation is a music practice and learning app that helps musicians transcribe, learn and play along with songs. It uses pitch-detection technology to identify the key, chords, tempo and structure of any song you throw at it, then lets you slow down playback, isolate instruments, transpose chords and display them on screen as you play. The app is popular with guitarists, bassists and other instrumentalists learning songs by ear or practising along with recordings. It was available on macOS via the Mac App Store.
AI Recommendation
1 suggestionRiffstation has been discontinued and is no longer supported by the developer — the Roaring Apps database flags it as end-of-life with no ongoing development. There is no native Apple Silicon build available, and the Intel-only version will stop launching entirely when Apple removes Rosetta 2 in macOS 28 (September 2028). If you rely on Riffstation for practice and learning, you will need to migrate to an alternative before that deadline. Capable modern replacements include Moises (an AI-powered chord and instrument separator available free and paid), Capo (a chord recognition and music learning app with interactive lessons), or Chordify (browser-based chord detection that works with YouTube and Spotify). GarageBand, which comes free with every Mac, also offers basic chord detection and looping for practice purposes. Consider trying one of these alternatives now while you still have time to evaluate which fits your workflow best.
Recommended reading