SongbookPro

More Than Just a Chord Viewer

If you've ever been in the middle of a gig and had to fumble through a dog-eared songbook or squint at your phone's tiny chord diagrams, you know the struggle. SongbookPro for Windows aims to be the digital bandmate that stays out of the spotlight. Developed by Songbook Systems Limited and published by Jonathan Salmon, this app positions itself as a professional-grade chord chart manager and performance assistant. It's not a full notation editor like Sibelius or a DAW—instead, it lives in the sweet spot between a static PDF reader and a live performance tool. Its core visual identity is clean: minimal, dark‑mode friendly, and built around the belief that the best technology on stage is the one you barely notice.

Targeted squarely at guitarists, keyboardists, vocalists, and any musician who relies on lyrics and chord symbols to play live, SongbookPro's main selling points include deep ChordPro format support, an auto‑scroll system that syncs with a tap tempo, real‑time setlist management, and a surprisingly forgiving latency tolerance when you're tapping the beat on a touchscreen or mouse.

The Brains: ChordSmart Engine

The first feature that makes SongbookPro feel like a thoughtful tool rather than a glorified notepad is its handling of chord charts. You can import .chordpro files, plain text, or PDFs, but the magic happens when the app parses a file and lets you edit chords inline with intelligent suggestion. Type “Am7” and it instantly re‑formats the diagram; change the key and it transposes the entire song without jumbling the lyrics. The rhythm pattern variety here isn't about pre‑recorded drum loops—it's about how the app interprets timing marks (like [G] [C] [D]) and aligns them with the lyric syllables. I tested a few complex jazz charts with irregular bar lengths, and SongbookPro handled them without losing sync. This is rare: many competing apps either give up on timing or require manual beat‑by‑beat placement. SongbookPro's tolerance for input latency is also notable—when I tapped the tempo with my trackpad (not even a dedicated MIDI footswitch), the auto‑scroll stayed within half‑second accuracy, which is more than enough for a live setting.

On Stage: Auto‑Scroll & Tempo Control

Live performance is where SongbookPro either shines or stumbles. The auto‑scroll feature lets you set a BPM, but the more interesting power is the “tap to set tempo” button. You can tap your spacebar or click a large on‑screen button every few beats, and the app adjusts its scrolling speed mid‑song. This is great for bands that speed up or slow down live—no more manual scrolling during a solo. The interface includes a “delay compensation” slider that lets you fine‑tune how many seconds after the beat the next line appears. In practice, this means you can set a comfortable lead time so you're reading the next chord a split‑second before you play it, avoiding the common panic of “oh no, what's the bridge?” The app also remembers per‑song scroll speed and delay settings, so once you nail your arrangement for a song, it's saved for the next gig.

Does It Play Well With Others?

SongbookPro isn't a walled garden. It imports from ChordPro, OnSong, and plain text, and exports to PDF or text. It also supports OneDrive sync—if you have a Surface Go on stage and a desktop at rehearsal, changes to a song file on one device push to the other automatically. The library management is straightforward: folders, tags, and setlists that can be reordered with drag‑and‑drop. The learning curve is gentle. If you've ever used an ebook reader, you'll be comfortable within five minutes. The one area where it could improve is its lack of direct audio playback or metronome integration—that would make it a more complete rehearsal companion. But honestly, for a pure chart tool, it's functionally complete.

Verdict: A Reliable Second Guitarist

SongbookPro for Windows doesn't try to be flashy. It doesn't have AI‑generated solos or a social network for musicians. What it does—reading, displaying, scrolling, and syncing chord charts—it does with quiet competence. I'd recommend it to any gigging musician who's tired of paper or unresponsive PDF viewers. The auto‑scroll latency tolerance is genuinely impressive for a non‑dedicated‑hardware app, and the tempo‑tap function feels natural even if your sense of rhythm is a little loose (mine is). The only users who might not need it are those who never play from written charts, or who prefer full‑band backing tracks. For everyone else—especially guitarists and keyboardists who work with ChordPro files—this is a solid purchase at its modest price. Give it a try before your next rehearsal; you might just retire that stack of binders for good.

FAQ

How do I install SongbookPro and start using it on my Windows laptop or tablet?

Download SongbookPro from the Microsoft Store or our website. Install and launch the app. You will see a welcome screen with a 12-song free trial. Start by importing a song or creating a new one from scratch.

Can I import my existing chord charts and lyrics into SongbookPro?

Yes. Go to File > Import, and choose from ChordPro, .onsong, opensong, or PDF formats. You can also paste directly from UltimateGuitar.com or WorshipTogether.com using the built-in web import tool.

How do I create a setlist for a live performance and switch between songs easily?

Tap the Sets tab, then select New Set. Add songs from your library by searching or browsing. During performance, open the set and swipe or tap to move between songs seamlessly.

How can I quickly change the key or capo position of a song?

Open any song, then tap the Key/Capo button in the toolbar. Use the slider or buttons to transpose keys or set capo. Changes apply instantly and are saved with the song.

Can I view and play from PDF sheet music in SongbookPro?

Absolutely. Import PDFs via File > Import > PDF Document. The app displays PDF pages clearly, and you can zoom, scroll, or annotate. Switch between PDF and chord views with one tap.

How do I share songs or sets with other SongbookPro users?

From the song or set details, tap the Share icon. Choose Share with User, then enter the recipient's account email. They will receive a notification and can accept the shared item.