Chord Progression Generator

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in order that forms the harmonic backbone of a song. Most pop songs use 3–4 chords repeating throughout the verse and chorus. The most famous example is I–V–vi–IV (e.g. C–G–Am–F), which appears in hundreds of hit songs.

The I–V–vi–IV progression (for example, C–G–Am–F in the key of C major) is the most widely used chord progression in modern pop music. It appears in songs by Adele, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and countless others. Its popularity comes from the satisfying way the chords pull toward and away from the tonic.

Start by choosing a key and a mood — major keys feel brighter, minor keys feel darker. Pick 3–4 chords from the scale (chords built on scale degrees I, IV, V, and vi are the most stable). Then experiment with the order. Most songs loop a 4-chord progression through verse and chorus, sometimes changing the starting chord to create contrast between sections.

The seven chords naturally available in C major are: C major (I), D minor (ii), E minor (iii), F major (IV), G major (V), A minor (vi), and B diminished (vii°). The most commonly used are C, F, G, and Am — these four chords alone can harmonize the majority of pop songs.

The ii–V–I is the most fundamental progression in jazz. In the key of C, it's Dm7–G7–Cmaj7. The ii chord creates tension, the V chord heightens it, and the I chord resolves it. Almost every jazz standard contains multiple ii–V–I progressions, often cycling through different keys within the same song.