Chord Progression Builder
Build a chord progression in any key, one chord per beat if you like. Mix in borrowed chords and secondary dominants, hear it play, then download a printable PDF chart with guitar, ukulele or piano chord diagrams.
- 🎼 All 15 key signatures
- 🎵 4 to 16 measures
- 🔊 Play it back
- 📄 PDF with chord diagrams
Loading the chord builder…
Three kinds of chords to build with
The seven chords built only from the notes of your key, like I, IV, V and vi in a major key. Most songs use mostly these. In minor keys, the builder also adds the major V and vii° from the harmonic minor scale.
Chords borrowed from the parallel key, such as â™VII, â™VI or the minor iv in a major key. They add color and a touch of drama, and they’re all over rock and film music.
The “V of” another chord, like V/V or V/vi. A secondary dominant briefly points toward a new chord and makes the arrival stronger. Try one right before its target.
How to use the chord progression builder
Pick a key signature and choose major or minor, set your time signature and number of measures (4 to 16), then tap any beat and choose a chord. Each measure has a slot for every beat, so you can change chords as often as once per quarter note. Empty beats let the previous chord keep ringing. Press Play to hear it with a click track, and use the Random button or a common progression if you need a starting point.
When you’re happy with it, download a PDF chord chart with standard notation staves, your chords above each beat and optional Roman numerals. You can add basic-position guitar, ukulele or piano chord diagrams. You can also print a blank chart with just the key signature and measures to write your own progression by hand.
Chord progression builder FAQ
Is the chord progression builder free?
Yes. It’s free for students, teachers and songwriters, and you don’t need an account. Use the share link to send a progression to a student or bandmate.
What does the slash in a measure mean?
A slash means “keep playing the chord before it.” Slashes on the printed chart show each beat so you can keep your place while you strum or comp.
What’s the difference between major and minor here?
Each key signature has a major key and a relative minor key, for example 1♯ is G major or E minor. Switching between them keeps your chords and re-labels the Roman numerals for the new key.
Why do some chords have a â™ in the Roman numeral?
A â™ means the chord’s root is a half step lower than the matching note of the major scale, like â™VII (Bâ™ in the key of C). These are usually borrowed chords.
Can I mix triads and 7th chords?
Yes. The “Add chords as” switch sets how new chords are added, and every chord keeps its own setting. Tap any chord in your progression and use “Make it a 7th” or “Make it a triad” to change just that one.
Can I add chords that aren’t listed?
Yes. Use the Custom chord box to pick any root and chord type, including sus2, sus4, 6, add9, 9 and power chords, with an optional slash bass note like C/E. Custom chords play back and print with chord diagrams just like the others.
Can I use this in my lessons?
Absolutely. Our teachers use charts like these in private lessons for guitar, ukulele, piano, bass and songwriting.
Learn chords, theory and songwriting with a private teacher in Canton, MI.