Chord Progression Generator

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played one after another. Progressions create the harmonic backbone of a song and strongly influence its emotional feel. They are usually described using Roman numerals (I, IV, V, etc.) relative to the key, so the same progression sounds the same in any key.

Roman numerals represent scale degrees. 'I' is the tonic (root) chord, 'IV' is the fourth degree, 'V' the fifth, etc. Upper-case numerals (I, IV, V) denote major chords; lower-case (ii, vi) denote minor chords; a degree symbol (°) marks diminished chords. This notation is universal — it works regardless of key.

Major keys generally sound brighter and more uplifting; minor keys sound darker and more introspective or emotional. Choose the mode that matches the feeling you want to convey. The same Roman numeral progression will sound quite different in major vs. minor.

Yes. The tool transposes each progression to the key you select. The Roman numeral relationships stay the same, so a I–IV–V in C sounds just like a I–IV–V in G — only the pitch level changes. Select any of the 12 chromatic keys.

Mood and genre filters narrow the list to progressions that are commonly associated with your chosen emotional character and musical style. If no progressions match, try selecting 'Any Mood' or 'Any Genre' to see the full list.

Enharmonic equivalents are keys that sound identical but have different names depending on the musical context. C# and Db are the same pitch. The tool shows both names so you can recognise the key regardless of how your sheet music or DAW labels it.

The tool shows you which chord names to play (e.g. Am, G, C, F). Look up fingering for each chord using the Guitar Chord Diagram Generator or any chord reference. On piano, play the root note plus the appropriate third and fifth of each chord.

Yes. Chord progressions are not copyrightable. The specific progressions shown are music-theory patterns that have been in public use for centuries. You are free to use them in original compositions, recordings, or any commercial project.

Often called the 'pop progression', I–V–vi–IV is one of the most widely used four-chord patterns in contemporary music. It has been used in hundreds of hit songs across pop, rock, and country genres. In C major the chords are C – G – Am – F.

Yes, the Chord Progression Generator is completely free. All calculations happen in your browser — no account, no sign-up, and no personal data is collected.

Yes. Each progression card has a copy button that copies the chord names and Roman numerals to your clipboard. You can then paste them into your DAW, lead sheet, or notation software.

The tool covers Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Classical, Folk, R&B, Country, EDM, and Latin. Each progression is tagged with the genres where it is most commonly heard, so you can filter to find progressions suited to your style.