🎵 Chord Progression Generator
Generate random or style-based chord progressions for songwriting and composition. Choose from popular styles like Jazz, Blues, Pop, and Classical with customizable keys and lengths.
Your Result:
Jazz Progression in G Major
ii-V-I with extensions • 8 chords
🎼 Progression Details
🎼 Lead Sheet Format
🎓 Music Theory
Example Progression Analysis: This classic ii-V-I progression in G Major features the circle of fifths movement (Am7-D7-GMaj7) repeated twice with added color chords. Common in jazz standards and contemporary music.
How to Use This Chord Progression Generator
How to Use the Chord Progression Generator
Generate professional chord progressions for songwriting, practice, and composition in just a few clicks. This tool combines music theory algorithms with creative randomization to produce harmonically sound progressions.
- Choose Your Style - Select from Common, Jazz, Blues, Pop, Classical, Modal, Gospel, or Random progressions. Each style uses different harmonic patterns and chord types appropriate to that genre.
- Select Your Key - Pick from all 12 major and minor keys. The tool automatically transposes progressions to your chosen key while maintaining proper harmonic relationships.
- Set Progression Length - Choose 4 chords (verse/chorus), 8 chords (full section), 12 chords (blues), or 16 chords (extended form) based on your musical needs.
- Configure Advanced Options - Enable chord extensions for 7ths, 9ths, and other colors. Allow inversions for smoother voice leading. Set tempo for MIDI export.
- Generate and Explore - Click Generate to create your progression. View both Roman numerals and chord names, study the harmonic analysis, and see lead sheet formatting.
The tool displays chord progressions in multiple formats: individual chord blocks with Roman numeral analysis, lead sheet format for reading, and downloadable MIDI files for your DAW. Use the copy function to quickly transfer progressions to other applications.
How It Works
How the Chord Progression Generator Works
Our generator combines music theory algorithms with style-specific patterns to create harmonically coherent progressions that sound natural and musical.
- Style-Based Pattern Selection - Each musical style (Jazz, Blues, Pop, etc.) has curated chord progression templates based on common patterns in that genre. The tool randomly selects and combines these proven patterns.
- Harmonic Function Analysis - The generator considers chord functions (tonic, subdominant, dominant) and voice leading principles to ensure smooth transitions between chords.
- Key Transposition Engine - Advanced algorithms transpose progressions to any key while maintaining proper chord relationships, including handling enharmonic equivalents (F# vs Gb).
- Extension and Inversion Logic - When enabled, the tool intelligently adds chord extensions (7ths, 9ths) and inversions based on voice leading principles and stylistic appropriateness.
- MIDI Generation - Client-side MIDI creation produces downloadable files with proper chord voicings, timing, and velocity suitable for import into any DAW or music software.
- Multiple Display Formats - Results are formatted as Roman numerals for theory study, chord names for performance, and lead sheet notation for professional use.
The entire process runs in your browser using native JavaScript, ensuring fast generation and privacy - no data is sent to external servers.
When You Might Need This
- • Songwriters composing verse and chorus progressions for pop songs
- • Jazz musicians practicing ii-V-I substitutions and circle of fifths movements
- • Music students learning harmonic analysis and Roman numeral notation
- • Producers creating backing tracks for instrumental compositions
- • Guitar players exploring new chord voicings and progressions
- • Piano composers arranging classical and romantic style harmonies
- • Worship leaders developing gospel progressions with extended chords
- • Beat makers needing chord progressions for hip-hop and R&B tracks
- • Music teachers creating exercises for harmonic progression lessons
- • Film composers generating mood-appropriate chord sequences
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Roman numerals and chord names in progressions?
Roman numerals (I, ii, V7) show the harmonic function relative to the key, making progressions transposable to any key. Chord names (C, Dm, G7) show the actual chords in a specific key. Roman numerals help understand music theory relationships, while chord names are practical for performance. Our tool displays both formats so you can learn theory while getting ready-to-play chord names.
How do jazz progressions differ from pop progressions?
Jazz progressions typically use more complex harmony with extended chords (7ths, 9ths, 11ths), sophisticated voice leading, and frequent key changes. Common jazz patterns include ii-V-I and circle of fifths movements. Pop progressions favor simpler triads and familiar patterns like I-V-vi-IV or vi-IV-I-V that create strong emotional hooks. Jazz emphasizes harmonic sophistication while pop prioritizes memorability and emotional impact.
What are chord extensions and when should I use them?
Chord extensions add notes beyond the basic triad (7ths, 9ths, 11ths, 13ths) to create richer, more colorful harmony. Use them in jazz, neo-soul, and contemporary styles for sophistication. Extensions work well in slower tempos where harmony can be appreciated, and in genres that value musical complexity. Start with 7th chords, then experiment with 9ths and 11ths as you develop your ear for extended harmony.
Can I export the generated progressions as MIDI files?
Yes! Our tool generates downloadable MIDI files with your chord progressions at your chosen tempo. MIDI files work with all digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and GarageBand. You can import them directly into your music production software, change instruments, adjust timing, and build complete arrangements around the generated progressions.
How does the random progression generator create musically logical sequences?
Our random generator uses music theory principles rather than pure randomness. It considers voice leading (smooth movement between chords), functional harmony (how chords resolve), and stylistic conventions. The algorithm favors common chord progressions while introducing unexpected but harmonically logical variations. This creates progressions that sound musical and coherent while offering creative surprises you might not have considered.