Chord Progression Generator
Generate inspiring chord progressions for your musical compositions
Chord Progression Generator
Table of Contents
How to Use the Generator
Follow these simple steps to generate chord progressions:
- Select your desired musical key (C, D, E, etc.)
- Choose between major or minor key
- Pick a chord progression pattern from the dropdown
- Click "Generate Progression" to see the chords
- Use the chord buttons to visualize the progression
The generator will show you both the chord names and Roman numeral analysis, helping you understand the harmonic structure and transpose to other keys easily.
Popular Chord Progressions
I-V-vi-IV (Pop Progression)
The most popular progression in modern pop music. Found in thousands of songs across all genres. Creates a satisfying resolution while maintaining forward momentum.
Examples: "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, "Someone Like You" by Adele
vi-IV-I-V (Ballad Progression)
Perfect for emotional ballads and slower songs. Starts with the relative minor for a melancholic feel before resolving to the major.
Examples: "Grenade" by Bruno Mars, "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne
ii-V-I (Jazz Standard)
The foundation of jazz harmony. Creates strong voice leading and is essential for jazz improvisation and composition.
Found in countless jazz standards and used extensively in jazz improvisation
Music Theory Basics
Roman Numeral Analysis
Roman numerals help musicians understand chord relationships regardless of key:
- I, IV, V: Major chords (strong, stable)
- ii, iii, vi: Minor chords (softer, more emotional)
- vii°: Diminished chord (tense, wants to resolve)
Chord Functions
- Tonic (I): Home chord, provides stability
- Subdominant (IV): Departure from home, creates movement
- Dominant (V): Creates tension, wants to resolve to I
- Relative Minor (vi): Emotional alternative to I
Songwriting Tips
- Start Simple: Begin with basic progressions and add complexity as needed
- Consider Song Structure: Use different progressions for verse, chorus, and bridge
- Experiment with Inversions: Try playing chords in different positions
- Add Extensions: Spice up basic chords with 7ths, 9ths, or sus chords
- Think About Rhythm: The same progression can feel completely different with different rhythms
- Use Your Ears: Theory is a guide, but trust what sounds good to you
- Study Your Favorites: Analyze songs you love to understand their harmonic structure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chord progression?
A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in succession. It forms the harmonic foundation of a song and creates the emotional movement that listeners feel throughout the music.
What does I-V-vi-IV mean?
These are Roman numerals representing chords built on different degrees of a scale. I is the first chord (tonic), V is the fifth (dominant), vi is the sixth (relative minor), and IV is the fourth (subdominant). In C major, this would be C-G-Am-F.
Why are some Roman numerals uppercase and others lowercase?
Uppercase Roman numerals represent major chords, while lowercase represent minor chords. This system helps musicians understand the quality of each chord in relation to the key.
Can I use these progressions in my own songs?
Yes! Chord progressions cannot be copyrighted. These are common harmonic patterns used across countless songs. Feel free to use them as starting points for your own compositions.