Chord Progression Generator

Turn a template into playable harmony

Choose a key and one of four templates: major I–IV–V–I, I–vi–IV–V, ii–V–I, or minor i–iv–V–i. The numeral states the chord root's scale degree, while capitalization indicates the expected major or minor quality in these templates. Check each chord's spelling before playing. In a minor i–iv–V–i pattern, the major V commonly uses the raised seventh from harmonic minor, creating a stronger return to i.

Worked example: ii–V–I in B-flat major

The B-flat major scale is B-flat, C, D, E-flat, F, G, A. Chords on degrees 2, 5, and 1 are C minor, F major, and B-flat major. Play C–E-flat–G, F–A–C, then B-flat–D–F. Root position makes the function obvious but creates larger moves. For a smoother right hand, try C–E-flat–G, C–F–A, then B-flat–D–F. The first F chord is second inversion because C is in the bass of that right-hand shape; if the left hand plays F, analyze the combined texture before naming the overall inversion.

1. Play roots alone and say the numerals.
2. Add root-position triads to verify chord quality.
3. Choose inversions that keep at least one voice stationary or moving by step.
4. Apply one rhythm, such as two half-note chords per bar, without changing harmony.
5. Transpose the same numerals to a neighboring key and recalculate rather than dragging shapes blindly.

A generated progression is a practice framework, not a complete composition. Register, rhythm, repetition, melody, and voicing determine much of the musical result. Common mistakes are reading vi as a major chord, forgetting the raised leading tone in minor dominant harmony, and changing key while keeping old accidentals. For the next activity, generate I–vi–IV–V in one key. Create two versions: blocked chords in close position and a broken pattern using scale degrees 1, 5, 3, 5 within each chord. Compare which version keeps the hand relaxed and the beat clear.