Bar 1
I · 1 bar
Chords in C Major
Click a chord to add it to your progression.
Tonic · homeSubdominant · movementDominant · tension
Your progression
Reorder, replace, or remove any chord.
Bar 2
V · 1 bar
Bar 3
vi · 1 bar
Bar 4
IV · 1 bar
Start from a classic
Load a proven progression, then make it yours.
Free Online Chord ToolFor songwriters and beat makers
Free Chord Progression Generator
Generate a chord progression by key, scale, mood, or genre. Play it, edit the chords, and use it in a song, beat, or MIDI project. Free to use—no credit card required.
Works in your browser · No music theory required
Four Simple Steps
How to Use the Chord Progression Generator
Choose a key and style, generate a chord progression, and listen to how it sounds. Then edit the chords or export the result. No music theory experience is required.
01
Choose a Key, Scale, and Style
Choose a key and scale, then select a mood or genre to guide the result. If you are unsure, leave the optional settings on Any.
02
Generate and Preview
Generate a chord progression and play it as a loop. Listen to how each chord moves into the next and whether the last chord leads naturally back to the first.
03
Edit the Progression
Keep the chords you like. Replace, reorder, add, or remove chords until the progression fits your melody, lyrics, riff, or beat.
04
Copy or Export Your Progression
Copy the chord names for quick reference, or export a MIDI file to continue editing in your DAW. You can also use the progression to start a song or beat.
Generator Settings
Controls for Shaping Your Chord Progression
Set the key, scale, length, tempo, and playback style. Each control changes either the chords you generate or how you hear the progression.
01
Key and Scale
Set the home note and choose the scale the generator will use. Major, minor, Dorian, and Mixolydian each produce a different set of chords.
02
Mood and Genre
Choose the mood or genre you want to explore. These settings guide the chord patterns, chord types, and voicings used in the result.
03
Progression Length
Choose how many chord positions to generate. Four chords work well for a short loop. A longer progression gives you more room for movement and variation.
04
Tempo and Time Signature
Set the playback speed with BPM. Choose a time signature to control how beats are grouped in each bar, such as 4/4, 3/4, or 6/8.
05
Instrument and Rhythm
Choose piano, guitar, or synth for playback. Then try block chords, arpeggios, or rhythmic patterns to hear the same progression in different ways.
06
Voicing and Voice Leading
Change the spacing and order of notes within each chord. Smoother voice leading keeps nearby notes close as the progression moves from one chord to the next.
Refine Your Progression
Refine and Export Your Chord Progression
Play the full progression, keep the chords you like, and edit the rest. Then copy the chord names or export MIDI to use in your song or DAW project.
Preview the Progression
Preview one chord or play the full progression as a loop. Listen for smooth changes, awkward jumps, and whether the ending leads back to the start.
Lock the Chords You Like
Lock any chord you want to keep. Generate another variation, and only the unlocked positions will change.
Replace or Reorder Chords
Replace one chord, change the order, or add another position. Small edits can improve the flow or help the progression fit your melody.
Read Chord Names and Roman Numerals
See each chord name, its notes, and its Roman numeral in the selected key. Roman numerals make the same progression easier to understand and transpose.
Copy the Progression
Copy the chord names or Roman numeral pattern. Paste them into your lyrics, chord chart, session notes, or songwriting draft.
Export MIDI to Your DAW
Export the progression as a MIDI file with editable notes and timing. Import it into Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, or another MIDI-ready DAW.
Generate, preview, and edit chord progressions in your browser. No credit card is required to get started.
Common Progressions
Chord Progression Examples by Style
Explore common chord progressions for pop, rock, jazz, lo-fi, and cinematic music. Each example shows the pattern, a playable chord sequence in one key, and a practical way to use it.
Preview progression
Warm Piano · Broken ChordsI–V–vi–IV · C major
Pop and Singer-Songwriter
A familiar four-chord loop with a clear major-key center. Use it for pop hooks, acoustic songs, and choruses.
01
C
02
G
03
Am
04
F
Sampled piano preview · Plays in your browser
Chord Progression Theory
Understand How Your Chord Progression Works
Learn how tonic, predominant, and dominant chords create rest, movement, and tension. Roman numerals help you recognize the same pattern in any key.
Progression analysis
In C major, Am–F–C–G is vi–IV–I–V. Starting on Am gives the loop a more reflective opening. C establishes the tonic, while G creates tension. When the loop returns to Am instead of C, it avoids a full resolution and keeps moving.
How the generator works
How MakeBPM Builds Your Chords
MakeBPM builds each chord from the notes in your selected key and mode. Chord names show what you hear. Roman numerals show each chord's scale degree.
For smoother playback, MakeBPM compares chord inversions and chooses one with less note movement from the previous chord. Presets are familiar starting points. You can replace or reorder every chord.
Theory reference: Roman Numerals — Open Music Theory
Key-aware
Chords come from the scale you select.
Clear labels
See chord names, notes, and Roman numerals.
Fully editable
Replace or reorder chords before MIDI export.
Tonic: Where the Music Feels at Rest
The tonic is the home chord. Returning to it usually feels complete. Delaying that return can keep a progression open and ready to loop.
Predominant: Moving Away from Home
The ii and IV chords often move the harmony away from the tonic and prepare the dominant. Use them to build direction before a stronger point of tension.
Tension and Resolution
The V chord creates a strong expectation of returning to the tonic. Move from V to I for a clear resolution, or move elsewhere to keep the progression going.
Roman Numerals: One Pattern, Any Key
Roman numerals show each chord’s scale degree instead of a fixed chord name. I–V–vi–IV becomes C–G–Am–F in C major and G–D–Em–C in G major.
Music theory is a guide, not a rule. Keep any chord that supports your melody and mood, even if it includes notes from outside the key.
Use Cases
How Creators Use a Chord Progression Generator
Use a generated chord progression to start a song, build a production, practice an instrument, study harmony, or plan background music.
Songwriters
Build the Harmony for a Song
Generate a progression for a verse, pre-chorus, chorus, or bridge. Listen to it with your melody, then change any chord that does not fit.
Start a song section
Test it with a melody
Change a chord
What to Expect
What a Chord Progression Generator Can and Cannot Do
A chord progression generator gives you a harmonic starting point. Your melody, rhythm, instruments, arrangement, and performance turn it into a complete piece of music.
Use It as a Starting Point
A generated progression is a starting point, not a finished song. Play it with your melody, then keep, replace, or reorder the chords until they fit.
It Cannot Guarantee a Melody Match
Chords can belong to the right key and still clash with a melody at a specific moment. Listen to both together, then adjust the chords or melody.
Chord Names Do Not Define the Full Sound
The same chords can support pop, EDM, cinematic music, or a ballad. Tempo, groove, instruments, register, and voicing shape how the progression feels.
It Does Not Finish the Song for You
A chord progression does not include a complete melody, song structure, arrangement, mix, or performance. Use it as the harmonic base for your next step.
Related Tools
Continue Your Music Workflow in MakeBPM
Turn your chord progression into a song, add lyrics, extend a music idea, check key or tempo, or convert audio into editable MIDI.
AI Song Generator
Turn a harmonic direction into an original song, beat, or soundtrack.
Lyrics to Song
Build melody, vocals, and arrangement around your lyrics.
AI Music Extender
Continue a short musical idea into a longer section or track.
Key Finder
Estimate the key of a reference track before choosing compatible chords.
BPM Finder
Find the tempo of a song or loop for your progression.
Audio to MIDI
Turn melodies or stems into editable MIDI notes.
Chord Progression FAQ
Questions About Creating Chord Progressions Online
Still have questions? Email our support team at support@makebpm.com.
What is a chord progression generator?
A chord progression generator creates a sequence of chords for songwriting, practice, or music production. In MakeBPM, you can choose a musical direction, hear the progression, edit the chords, and prepare the result for your next step.
Is the MakeBPM Chord Progression Generator free?
Yes. The chord progression tool is free to use, and no credit card is required. You may need an account or credits if you continue the progression as a complete AI-generated track.
Do I need to know music theory?
No. Choose a key and style, generate a progression, and decide by listening. Chord names and Roman numerals are available if you want to understand how the chords relate.
How does MakeBPM generate chord progressions?
MakeBPM uses your key, scale, mood, genre, and other settings to create chords that work together. Random variations still follow those settings. AI is used only when you continue the progression into a complete song or instrumental.
Can I export the chord progression to MIDI?
Yes. MIDI export saves the notes and timing as editable data. You can import the file into Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Cubase, Studio One, GarageBand, Reaper, or another MIDI-compatible DAW.
Can MakeBPM turn my chord progression into a complete song?
Yes. Use the progression, key, BPM, mood, and genre as direction for a MakeBPM song or instrumental. You can then add lyrics, vocals, instruments, and song structure.
Can I use generated chord progressions commercially?
Chord progressions are common harmonic building blocks. A finished track may also include lyrics, melodies, samples, recordings, or generated audio. Check the rights and MakeBPM terms for every element used in the final work.
Is my chord progression uploaded or saved?
Creating a chord progression does not require you to upload an audio file. If you continue the idea with an AI music tool, MakeBPM processes the information needed to create that track. Saved projects and account-based features may store your work so you can return to it later.
Make BPM. Make Beats. Make Music.
Create Your Chord Progression. Keep Building in MakeBPM.
Generate, hear, edit, and export your chord progression for free. Download the MIDI for your DAW, or use the idea to create a complete song in MakeBPM.
Free chord generator · No credit card required · AI song generation uses credits