Relying on chord charts or lyrics is actually more common than you would think.
Many professional musicians have a teleprompter hidden in their monitor wedges so that they never miss a cue.
The good news is that you don’t need a sophisticated setup to start reading your chord charts straight away. The best method is to simply use an iPad, because it has a large display (9.7″) that’s perfect for reading A4 pages and it’s extremely portable. The one drawback is the price ($350), as it includes many additional features that you may not need if you only want to read chord charts or sheet music.
There are a few cheaper options, like the Galaxy Tab from Samsung ($200) and the Fire Tablet from Amazon ($50). These choices may, however, offer limited compatibility with foot pedals.
iPad
The Apple iPad can be easily controlled via its touch screen. You will also be able to access the internet in case you need chords or lyrics.
BlueBoard
The IK Multimedia BlueBoard is a wireless foot controller, and a great way to flip between your pages.
Floor Stand
This floor stand includes a tripod base, and is the perfect way to use your iPad on stage.
Mic Stand Clip
If you're doing vocals, you may prefer to clip your iPad to your mic stand instead.
Teleprompter
If you want to go the extra mile, you can use a mini teleprompter in conjunction with your iPad.
Software for Reading Chord Charts
You will need the right software in order to read chord charts and sheet music effectively. Unfortunately, most of this software is premium solutions which means it’s not offered free. You can expect to pay about $10 depending on your needs.
