Chord Progression Builder

How chord progressions work

Diatonic chord progressions use only the chords naturally found in a given key. Each chord has a function: tonic (I, iii, vi) feels like home, subdominant (IV, ii) creates gentle movement, and dominant (V, vii°) creates tension that wants to resolve back to I.

Classic progressions explained

• I – IV – V – I — the backbone of blues, rock, and country. Pure tension and release.
• I – V – vi – IV — "the four chords of pop." Used in hundreds of hit songs across every genre.
• ii – V – I — the jazz standard. The ii chord sets up the dominant V, which resolves beautifully to I.
• i – VI – III – VII — the Andalusian cadence. Common in flamenco, metal, and classical music.