Chord Progression Generator
Category: MusicGenerate chord progressions for your compositions. Choose a key, select a genre, and customize your progression with various options.
Chord Progression Settings
Genre Presets
Progression Options
Your Chord Progression
Variations
Export Options
Music Theory Reference
Common Chord Progressions
- I-IV-V: The most common progression in popular music
- I-V-vi-IV: The "pop-punk" progression, used in countless hits
- ii-V-I: The foundation of jazz harmony
- I-vi-IV-V: The "doo-wop" progression from the 1950s and 60s
- vi-IV-I-V: The "Axis of Awesome" progression (same chords as I-V-vi-IV, different start)
Chord Functions
- Tonic (I): Home chord, creates stability and resolution
- Subdominant (IV): Creates movement away from tonic
- Dominant (V): Creates tension that wants to resolve to tonic
- Submediant (vi): Related to tonic, creates softer mood
- Supertonic (ii): Often used before dominant chords
- Mediant (iii): Creates ambiguous feeling, less common
- Leading Tone (vii°): Creates strong tension toward tonic
Saved Progressions
No saved progressions yet. Generate and save some progressions!
Introducing the Chord Progression Generator
Creating music can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you have the right tools. The Chord Progression Generator is here to help you come up with exciting chord sequences for your songs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, this calculator lets you generate unique progressions tailored to your preferences. You can choose different keys, scales, and genres to get the perfect sound for your composition.
Key and Scale Selection Made Easy
One of the key features of the Chord Progression Generator is its ability to let you select the musical key and scale type for your chords. This feature is essential because different keys and scales can dramatically change the feel of your music. You can pick from a range of options, including:
- C Major, D Minor, F# Dorian, and more.
- Major, Minor, Harmonic Minor, and various other scale types.
This flexibility allows you to experiment with different sounds and styles, ensuring that you find just the right vibe for your piece.
Choose Your Genre for the Right Vibe
The generator doesn’t stop at just keys and scales. You can also select a genre that best fits your musical style. Options include popular choices like Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, and more. Each genre comes with its unique feel and characteristics, helping you craft melodies that resonate with your audience. Plus, there's a random option for those looking to surprise themselves with something new!
Customizable Progression Length and Complexity
Want to keep things simple or add some flair? The Chord Progression Generator allows you to adjust the number of chords in your progression. You can choose between 2 to 8 chords, making it easy to create both short and extended sequences. Additionally, you can set the chord complexity from basic triads to advanced chords like 9ths and 13ths. This feature gives you the freedom to tailor your progressions to match the song's mood.
Advanced Options for the Serious Musician
For those who want to take their compositions to the next level, the calculator includes advanced options. You can allow inversions, which add depth to your chords, or permit modal borrowing for creative twists. There’s also an option to add secondary dominants, enhancing the harmonic richness. This level of control means you can truly personalise your music and experiment with fresh ideas.
Easy Playback and Variations
Once you've generated a chord progression, you can listen to it with the built-in playback feature. This function lets you hear how your progression sounds in real-time. Additionally, the generator provides various chord variations, allowing you to try different styles and find the one that feels just right. This is a fantastic way to explore music without the need for extensive musical training.
Export Your Chord Progression Effortlessly
After crafting your perfect chords, the Chord Progression Generator makes it easy to export your work. You can choose to copy your progression to the clipboard, save it for future use, or export in different formats like text, Roman numerals, or Nashville numbers. This ensures you can take your ideas and integrate them smoothly into your musical projects, ready for performance or recording.
Learn Music Theory While You Create
The tool isn’t just about generating chords; it also promotes understanding of music theory. You can access common chord progressions, like I-IV-V or ii-V-I, and learn about their functions in music. This educational aspect aids in developing your skills as a musician while you create. Whether you're writing songs or just exploring musical ideas, the Chord Progression Generator is a vital companion on your musical journey.