Creation Tool

Chord Progression Builder

Select a key, click chords to build a progression, and hear it play back. Transpose, reorder, and explore diatonic harmony.

Notation

Diatonic Chords

Your Progression

0/8 chords
Click diatonic chords above to build your progression
BPM 100
±0

Try a Preset

Build Better Chord Progressions

The Chord Progression Builder helps you discover and experiment with diatonic harmony. By working within a key, every chord you select naturally fits together — making it easier to create music that sounds intentional and cohesive.

Whether you're a beginner learning the basics of harmony or an experienced musician exploring new key centers, this tool gives you instant feedback through audio playback and visual Roman numeral analysis. Understanding the function of each chord (tonic, dominant, subdominant) is the key to writing better progressions.

Popular Progressions to Try

  • I–V–vi–IV: The most popular pop progression (C–G–Am–F in C major)
  • I–IV–V: The classic blues and rock foundation
  • ii–V–I: The essential jazz turnaround
  • i–VI–III–VII: The iconic minor-key progression
  • I–vi–IV–V: The 1950s doo-wop progression

Relative Minor Keys

Every major key has a relative minor that shares the same notes but centers on a different root. For example, C major's relative minor is A minor — both use the same set of natural notes but with different tonal centers. Try switching between a major key and its relative minor to hear how the emotional character changes while using the same chords.

Chord Progression Builder

Embed this chord progression tool on your site. Build, play, and transpose in any key.

Tableau de Bord de Pratique & Utilitaires

Acoustic Grand Piano Centre de Pratique & Contrôle

Raccourcis complets, doigtés, techniques et commandes tactiles pour une jouabilité optimale.

Raccourcis Clavier

Disposition des Touches QWERTY

  • Click Chord Add Diatonic Chord to Sequence
  • Play Button Listen to Progression Audio
  • Key Select Transpose Entire Progression

Chord Reference

chords & Techniques

  • Pop Progression
    I – V – vi – IV (C – G – Am – F)
  • Jazz Turnaround
    ii – V – I (Dm – G – C)
  • Minor Epic
    i – VI – III – VII (Am – F – C – G)

Guide Étape par Étape

Comment Pratiquer Efficacement

  1. 1 Choose your desired musical key and scale mode (Major or Minor).
  2. 2 Click diatonic chord tiles to construct a 4-chord or 8-chord progression.
  3. 3 Adjust BPM playback tempo and listen to your progression played by piano & strings.

Conseils Pro

Technique & Ergonomie

  • Use the transpose buttons (±1) to shift your progression to match any singer's vocal range.
  • Combine relative minor chords to create emotionally nuanced song bridges.
  • Export your progression sequence as MIDI or print vector chord charts.

Erreurs Courantes

Pièges à Éviter pour Débutants

  • Over-complicating progressions with too many non-diatonic borrowed chords.
  • Ignoring Roman numeral function (Tonic vs Dominant tension and resolution).

Mobile & Tactile

Commandes Tablette & Smartphone

  • Tap chord blocks on mobile touchscreens to build progressions on the go.
  • Auto-saves your active progression sequence in local browser storage.

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Chord Progression Builder — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

How does the chord progression builder work?

Select a key and musical style; click chord blocks to build progressions with instant guitar/piano playback.

Can I transpose my custom progression to any key?

Yes, use the key selector to shift your entire progression to any of the 12 chromatic keys instantly.

What chord types are supported in the builder?

Build with triads, 7th chords, extended 9th chords, suspended chords, and diminished harmonies.

Can I listen to my progression played on guitar and piano?

Yes, switch playback timbres between acoustic grand piano, Rhodes electric piano, and acoustic guitar.

How do Roman numerals help with song creation?

Roman numerals show scale degree relationships, making it easy to adapt progressions for different vocal ranges.

Can I export my progression as MIDI or printable poster?

Yes, export your progression to MIDI for DAWs or generate printable vector chord charts.

What BPM tempos are available for playback preview?

Adjust playback tempo from 40 BPM up to 220 BPM with optional metronome click.

Is my created chord progression saved in my browser?

Yes, your active progression auto-saves in local storage so you never lose song ideas.

Can teachers use this tool for music composition classes?

Yes, it is ideal for teaching harmonic resolution, voice leading, and song structure.

Is the chord progression builder free?

100% free with unlimited progression building for songwriters and producers.