Tools / progressions
Chord progression generator
Pick a key and a progression, hear it played back, and see the Roman numerals as it goes. Free, in the browser, with no signup.
How to use it
- Choose a key from the selector, or click through from the circle of fifths.
- Pick a preset progression, or build your own from the numeral buttons.
- Adjust tempo and voicing. Close voicings sound like a keyboard part; open voicings sound like a band.
- Toggle between major and minor to hear the same numerals in a different mode.
- Share the URL to send someone a specific progression in a specific key.
Presets worth playing first
| Numerals | In C | Character |
|---|---|---|
| I–V–vi–IV | C–G–Am–F | The modern pop default. |
| I–vi–IV–V | C–Am–F–G | Doo-wop. Same chords, warmer. |
| ii–V–I | Dm–G–C | The jazz cadence. |
| I–IV–V | C–F–G | Blues and folk. |
| i–VII–VI–V | Am–G–F–E | The Andalusian cadence. |
Three exercises
- Transpose by ear. Play a progression in C, then in E, then in A flat. Say the numerals aloud each time. The numerals are what transfer between keys.
- Swap one chord. Play I–V–vi–IV, then replace the vi with a IV and listen to what is lost. Substitution is how you learn what each chord is doing.
- Guess before you look. Set it to random, listen, and write down the numerals before revealing them. This is progression recognition, which is the single most useful ear skill for a songwriter.
Read more
The theory behind all of this is in how chord progressions work, with minor keys covered in the minor chord progression chart. A printable version is available as a free chord progression chart PDF.
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