How to use the progression ear trainer
- Choose a mode: progressions (name the Roman numerals) or cadence drills (name the type of cadence).
- Choose major keys, minor keys or both, and a tempo.
- Press Play. Four block chords sound in a random key. Press Replay or the R key to hear them again.
- Pick one of the four answers with a tap, or press the number key shown on its button (1 to 4).
- Read the chords on the staff and the keyboard, then press the button for the next one.
Your score and streak are kept only while the page is open. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
This tool trains whole progressions. To hear a single chord quality (major, minor, diminished and so on), use the chord ear trainer. To write and play your own progression in any key, use the chord progression generator.
The progressions in the pool
| Mode | Progressions |
|---|---|
| Major keys | I-IV-V-I, I-V-vi-IV, ii-V-I, I-vi-IV-V, vi-IV-I-V, I-IV-vi-V |
| Minor keys | i-VI-III-VII, i-iv-V-i, i-VII-VI-VII, i-iv-VII-III, i-VI-iv-V |
Upper-case numerals are major triads and lower-case numerals are minor triads. In minor keys the V chord is major, because it uses the raised seventh degree of the harmonic minor scale. The other minor-key chords come from the natural minor scale.
Cadence drills
| Cadence | Ending | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Authentic | V to I | Final, like a full stop |
| Plagal | IV to I | Soft, the amen ending |
| Half | Ends on V | Open, like a comma or question |
| Deceptive | V to vi (or VI in minor) | Surprise, expected home chord replaced |
Each cadence drill phrase is four chords and ends with the cadence being named. Listen to the last two chords first: where do they land, and does the phrase feel finished?
Tips for faster progress
Start with one mode and two or three progressions, then add more. Listen to the bass line first: the bottom note of each chord moves in a pattern you can often sing, and that pattern identifies the numerals.
Compare a progression with a song you know. I-V-vi-IV and vi-IV-I-V use the same four chords starting in different places, so listen for where the phrase feels settled.
Use the Replay button as many times as you like while learning. Once you answer without replaying, switch to faster tempos and mixed major and minor keys.
Common questions
What do the Roman numerals mean?
Each numeral names a chord built on one degree of the scale. I is the chord on the first note, V the chord on the fifth note, and so on. Upper case is major and lower case is minor, so the same numerals work in every key.
Why is the V chord major in a minor key?
The raised seventh degree of the harmonic minor scale makes the V chord major. That leading tone pulls strongly toward the tonic, which is why V to i sounds final. The natural minor v chord sounds weaker.
Do I need perfect pitch?
No. Progression training builds relative pitch and a feel for how chords move. The key changes every round, so you have to hear the movement rather than memorise a single pitch.
How is this different from the chord ear trainer?
The chord ear trainer plays one chord and asks for its quality. This tool plays four chords in sequence and asks which progression they form, which is how chords appear in real songs.
Sources
- Open Music Theory: Roman numerals: Roman numeral analysis and chord quality case.
- Cadence (music), reference article: Authentic, plagal, half and deceptive cadences.
- Roman numeral analysis, reference article: Numeral conventions in major and minor keys.