Chord Progression Generator

Pick a key, build a progression, and hear it played with real guitar sounds.

Diatonic Chords

Your Progression

Ready

How to Use the Chord Progression Generator

  1. Select a key (C, D, E, etc.) and scale type (Major or Minor).
  2. The diatonic chords for that key appear as buttons — click any to add it to your progression.
  3. Or choose a preset progression to get started quickly (I-IV-V, ii-V-I, 12-bar blues, etc.).
  4. Click a chord in your progression to remove it, or use Clear All to start over.
  5. Press Play to hear the progression with real guitar sounds. Choose a strum pattern, tempo, and toggle Loop for continuous playback.
  6. Click Export to Chord Player to copy the chord notation — paste it into the Chord Player to play along with lyrics.

Understanding Chord Progressions

In Western music, chords built from a scale's notes are called diatonic chords. In a major key, the pattern is: I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii° (major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, diminished). In a minor key: i – ii° – III – iv – v – VI – VII. Roman numerals tell you the chord's scale degree and quality — uppercase for major, lowercase for minor.

Famous progressions like I–V–vi–IV (used in hundreds of pop hits) or the 12-bar blues are built from these diatonic chords. This tool lets you experiment with any combination and hear how they sound together.

Learn scales with the Scale Explorer, play guitar online with the Virtual Guitar, or practice songs with the Chord Player.