Chord Progression Generator
Generate chord progressions for songwriting and music composition
Generate Chord Progression
Used in thousands of pop songs
Root note of the progression
Chord Progression Results
Progression Type: I-V-vi-IV (Pop Progression)
Key Signature: C major
Number of Chords: 4
Roman Numerals: I - V - vi - IV
Popular Chord Progressions
I-V-vi-IV (Pop Progression)
I - V - vi - IV
Used in thousands of pop songs
vi-IV-I-V (Pop Ballad)
vi - IV - I - V
Popular in ballads and emotional songs
I-vi-IV-V (50s Progression)
I - vi - IV - V
Classic doo-wop and 50s rock progression
ii-V-I (Jazz Standard)
ii - V - I
The most important jazz progression
I-♭VII-♭VI-♭VII (Rock)
I - ♭VII - ♭VI - ♭VII
Common in rock and alternative music
i-♭VII-♭VI-♭VII (Minor Rock)
i - ♭VII - ♭VI - ♭VII
Dark, powerful rock progression
Scale Degrees Guide
Major Scale
I: Tonic (Major)
ii: Supertonic (minor)
iii: Mediant (minor)
IV: Subdominant (Major)
V: Dominant (Major)
vi: Submediant (minor)
vii°: Leading tone (diminished)
Minor Scale
i: Tonic (minor)
ii°: Supertonic (diminished)
♭III: Mediant (Major)
iv: Subdominant (minor)
v: Dominant (minor)
♭VI: Submediant (Major)
♭VII: Subtonic (Major)
Songwriting Tips
Start with common progressions and modify them
Use ii-V-I for strong resolution
vi chord adds emotional depth
Experiment with inversions for smooth bass lines
Try borrowed chords from parallel keys
Understanding Chord Progressions
What is a Chord Progression?
A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in order. These progressions form the harmonic foundation of songs and create the emotional movement that drives music forward. They're written using Roman numerals that represent scale degrees.
Why Learn Progressions?
- •Speed up songwriting and composition
- •Understand how popular songs work
- •Transpose songs to different keys easily
- •Communicate with other musicians
Common Functions
Tonic Function (I, vi)
Provides stability and resolution. Home base of the key.
Subdominant Function (ii, IV)
Creates departure from tonic. Builds tension mildly.
Dominant Function (V, vii°)
Creates strong tension that wants to resolve to tonic.
Famous Progressions in Popular Music
I-V-vi-IV ("Pop Progression")
Found in thousands of songs including "Let It Be", "Don't Stop Believin'", and "Someone Like You".
Example in C: C - G - Am - F
ii-V-I (Jazz Standard)
The backbone of jazz harmony. Creates smooth voice leading and strong resolution.
Example in C: Dm - G - C
12-Bar Blues
Foundation of blues, rock, and country music. Uses I, IV, and V chords in a specific pattern.
Classic blues progression structure
vi-IV-I-V ("Pop Ballad")
Popular in ballads and emotional songs. Starts on the relative minor for a softer beginning.
Example in C: Am - F - C - G