Chord Progression Generator

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in order, forming the harmonic foundation of a song. Progressions are often described using Roman numerals (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°) that represent each chord’s position in the key. For example, I–V–vi–IV in the key of C major means C–G–Am–F.

The most widely used pop progression is I–V–vi–IV (e.g., C–G–Am–F), featured in hundreds of hit songs. Other popular progressions include vi–IV–I–V (same chords, different starting point), I–vi–IV–V (the 50s progression), and I–IV–V–I (the classic resolution). This tool includes all of these plus genre-specific variants.

Major modes use the standard major scale intervals, producing bright, happy chord qualities. Natural Minor flattens the 3rd, 6th, and 7th scale degrees, creating darker, more melancholic progressions. Dorian is a minor mode with a raised 6th (jazzy feel). Mixolydian is major with a flat 7th (blues/rock feel). Phrygian is minor with a flat 2nd (Spanish/metal). Lydian is major with a raised 4th (dreamy, floating quality).

The Nashville Number System replaces chord names with scale degree numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.), making it easy to transpose songs to any key without rewriting. A “1” is always the tonic, “4” the subdominant, and “5” the dominant, regardless of key. Minor chords are indicated with a dash (e.g., “2-” for the minor ii chord). This system is standard in Nashville studio sessions.

Yes! Click the Play button to hear each chord in sequence using piano-like tones generated with the Web Audio API. Adjust the tempo (60–200 BPM) and time signature (3/4 or 4/4) to control playback speed and feel. Each chord card highlights in green as it plays, so you can follow along visually.

No. All chord calculation, audio generation, and visualization happens 100% locally in your browser using the Web Audio API and Canvas. No data is sent to any server. The tool works completely offline once loaded.

Simply change the Key dropdown while keeping the same progression selected. Because the tool describes progressions using Roman numerals (scale degrees), the interval relationships stay identical — only the actual chord names shift. For example, I–V–vi–IV in C major (C–G–Am–F) becomes G–D–Em–C in G major instantly. This is also the core idea behind the Nashville Number System toggle.

Diatonic progressions stay within a single key, so every chord shares notes with the scale — this creates a sense of cohesion. Functional harmony drives tension and resolution: the dominant chord (V) creates tension that resolves back to the tonic (I). Progressions that include the subdominant (IV) add contrast without instability. That said, “good” is context-dependent: blues intentionally uses non-diatonic flat-seven chords, and Mixolydian or Dorian modes deliberately shift the tonal center. Experiment with genre presets to hear how different harmonic contexts create different emotional colors.

Yes. The generator displays guitar chord voicing diagrams for every chord in your progression, showing finger positions on the fretboard. These are standard open or first-position voicings. The tool does not currently show barre-chord or CAGED-system alternatives, so if an open voicing does not suit your style, treat the chord name as your starting point and look up alternative voicings separately. The chord finder on this site can also help you explore voicing options for any specific chord.