Chord Progression Generator

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in a specific order that forms the harmonic foundation of a piece of music. It establishes the tonality, creates emotional context, and provides structure for melodies and solos. Chord progressions are usually analyzed using Roman numerals (I, IV, V, etc.) to indicate which scale degree each chord is built upon, making them transferable between different keys.

Roman numerals in chord progressions indicate which scale degree each chord is built upon:
• Uppercase numerals (I, IV, V) represent major chords
• Lowercase numerals (ii, iii, vi) represent minor chords
• Diminished chords are often shown with a lowercase numeral and a degree symbol (viiº)
• Augmented chords may use uppercase with a plus sign (III+)

For example, in the key of C major, I = C major, ii = D minor, iii = E minor, IV = F major, V = G major, vi = A minor, and viiº = B diminished.

Certain chord progressions have become popular because they:
• Create satisfying harmonic movement that feels natural to the human ear
• Effectively establish and reinforce a tonal center
• Balance tension and resolution in ways that engage listeners
• Evoke specific emotional responses that resonate with many people
• Have been reinforced through cultural exposure and familiarity

Progressions like I-IV-V-I or I-V-vi-IV have become ubiquitous in Western popular music because they efficiently accomplish these goals while being versatile enough to support countless melodic variations.

To use the chord progression generator effectively for songwriting:
1. Select a key that fits your vocal range or the comfortable range of your instrument
2. Choose a scale that matches the mood you want to convey (major for bright/happy, minor for darker/sad)
3. Pick a genre that aligns with your musical style
4. Generate progressions until you find one that inspires you
5. Try the progression in different rhythms, tempos, and voicings
6. Use the progression as a foundation to develop melodies, lyrics, and arrangement ideas
7. Consider using different progressions for different sections (verse, chorus, bridge)
8. Don't be afraid to modify the generated progression by adding, removing, or substituting chords

Major and minor chord progressions differ primarily in their tonal center and emotional character:

Major progressions:
• Built on major scales with the pattern W-W-H-W-W-W-H
• Generally convey brightness, happiness, optimism, or stability
• The I, IV, and V chords are major; ii, iii, and vi are minor; viiº is diminished
• Common examples: I-IV-V, I-vi-IV-V

Minor progressions:
• Built on minor scales with the pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W
• Often evoke sadness, tension, mystery, or introspection
• The i, iv, and v chords are minor; III, VI, and VII are major; iiº is diminished
• Common examples: i-iv-v, i-VI-III-VII

The tonic chord (I or i) establishes whether a progression is major or minor, though many songs use borrowed chords or modal interchange between parallel major and minor keys.

Yes, you can create custom chord progressions using this generator by selecting the "Custom Progression" option and entering your desired chord sequence using Roman numerals.

When creating custom progressions:
• Use uppercase Roman numerals for major chords (I, IV, V)
• Use lowercase Roman numerals for minor chords (ii, iii, vi)
• Separate chords with hyphens (I-IV-V-vi)
• You can use extensions like "7" (V7) or qualities like "dim" (viiº) after the numeral

Experiment with different combinations, but remember that strong progressions typically:
• Start and/or end on the tonic (I/i) for resolution
• Include some form of tension and release
• Move logically through chord functions (tonic, subdominant, dominant)
• Balance predictability with interesting variations

Modes are different scales derived from the same set of notes but with different starting points, each creating a distinct sound and affecting chord progressions in unique ways:

Ionian (Major): Standard major scale progressions (I-IV-V, etc.)
Dorian: Minor with a raised 6th, creating a jazzy/folk sound. Common progressions: i-IV, i-ii-IV
Phrygian: Minor with a flattened 2nd, creating a Spanish/exotic sound. Common progressions: i-♭II-♭VII, i-♭vii
Lydian: Major with a raised 4th, creating a dreamy/floating sound. Common progressions: I-II, I-vii-II
Mixolydian: Major with a flattened 7th, creating a bluesy/rock sound. Common progressions: I-♭VII, I-v-♭VII
Aeolian (Natural Minor): Standard minor scale progressions (i-iv-v, i-VI-VII, etc.)
Locrian: Minor with flattened 2nd and 5th, creating a tense/unstable sound. Rarely used for entire progressions.

Each mode creates different chord qualities and tendencies, allowing for unique harmonic colors and emotional expressions in your music.

Different musical genres tend to favor certain chord progressions:

Pop: I-V-vi-IV, vi-IV-I-V, I-vi-IV-V
Rock: I-IV-V, I-♭VII-IV, i-VI-III-VII
Blues: I7-IV7-V7 (12-bar blues), I7-IV7-I7-V7-IV7-I7
Jazz: ii-V-I, I-vi-ii-V, iii-VI-ii-V
Classical: I-IV-V-I, I-ii-V-I, I-IV-I-V
Folk: I-V, i-VII-VI-VII, IV-I-V
Electronic/Dance: I-V-vi-IV, vi-IV-I-V
R&B/Soul: ii-V-I, I-vi-IV-V, I-III-IV-V
Metal: i-VI-VII, i-VI-i-VII, i-v-VI-III
Country: I-IV-V, I-V-vi-IV, I-IV-I-V

These are generalizations, and many songs combine elements from different genres or use innovative variations on these common progressions.