A system and method that enables a user to generate and manipulate string-instrument chord grids in a digital audio workstation. The system and method for generating a string-instrument chord grid includes receiving first data input and second data input. The first data input can include a chord root note and/or a position for one or more fingering dots. The second data input can include an instrument type and our tuning for one or more strings. Using the received data input, a processor generates an entered string-instrument chord based and displays the entered string-instrument chord on a grid. The processor can also generate and display the musical name of the entered string-instrument chord.