liminfoChord Progression Reference
Free web tool: Chord Progression Reference
6 progressions
| Progression (Roman) | Chords in C |
|---|---|
| I - IV - V - I | CFGC |
| I - V - vi - IV | CGAmF |
| ii - V - I | DmGC |
| I - vi - IV - V | CAmFG |
| vi - IV - I - V | AmFCG |
| I - IV - vi - V | CFAmG |
About Chord Progression Reference
The Chord Progression Reference is an interactive music theory tool that shows six commonly used diatonic chord progressions transposed to any of the 12 major keys. Select a root key (C through B) from the dropdown, and the table immediately updates to show the actual chord names for each progression — automatically applying music theory rules for major, minor, and diminished chord qualities based on the diatonic scale.
The six progressions covered are the most fundamental patterns in Western popular music. I-IV-V-I is the classic blues and folk foundation. I-V-vi-IV is arguably the most popular progression in modern pop music, appearing in countless hit songs. ii-V-I is the cornerstone of jazz harmony. I-vi-IV-V is the "50s progression" heard in doo-wop and early rock. vi-IV-I-V is the minor-feeling variant of the pop progression. I-IV-vi-V adds a darker color with the minor vi chord in fourth position.
The chord quality for each scale degree is determined by the diatonic major scale formula: the I, IV, and V chords are major; the ii, iii, and vi chords are minor; and the vii chord is diminished. The tool uses the chromatic note sequence (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B) and maps each Roman numeral to a semitone offset, applying the correct chord quality label automatically. The search box lets you filter progressions by Roman numeral pattern.
Key Features
- Displays 6 essential chord progressions: I-IV-V-I, I-V-vi-IV, ii-V-I, I-vi-IV-V, vi-IV-I-V, and I-IV-vi-V
- Transposes to all 12 major keys: C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B
- Applies correct chord quality: major (I, IV, V), minor (ii, iii, vi), diminished (vii)
- Search/filter progressions by Roman numeral pattern
- Instant transposition — chord names update as you change the key
- Visual chord name badges in a clean table layout
- 100% client-side using React useMemo — no server required
- No sign-up, no account, and completely free to use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chord progression?
A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in order to establish harmonic movement in a piece of music. Progressions are typically described using Roman numerals (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii) where each numeral represents a chord built on that degree of the major scale. The same progression sounds different in different keys but has the same harmonic character.
How does the tool transpose progressions to different keys?
Each Roman numeral maps to a semitone offset from the root note based on the major scale: I=0, ii=2, iii=4, IV=5, V=7, vi=9, vii=11. The tool adds these offsets to the selected root note's chromatic index (0-11) and applies the correct chord quality (major, minor, or diminished) for each scale degree.
Why is I-V-vi-IV so common in pop music?
The I-V-vi-IV progression is emotionally versatile — it moves from home (I) to tension (V) to a bittersweet relative minor (vi) to a warm subdominant (IV). This creates a satisfying emotional arc that works in major keys without sounding overly happy or sad. Countless hit songs across pop, rock, and country use this progression in every key.
What makes the ii-V-I progression special in jazz?
The ii-V-I is the fundamental cadential movement in jazz and is used to establish a key center. The ii chord (minor) creates tension, the V chord (dominant) increases it, and the I chord (major or minor tonic) resolves it. This three-chord pattern appears constantly in jazz standards, often in quick succession to modulate through different key areas.
What is the "50s progression" (I-vi-IV-V)?
The I-vi-IV-V progression became iconic in 1950s doo-wop and early rock and roll. Its characteristic sound comes from the strong downward motion from I to vi (the relative minor), creating a slightly melancholic feeling before resolving through IV and V back to I. It is also known as the "Heart and Soul" progression.
How does the chord quality work for each scale degree?
In a major key, chord quality follows the diatonic scale: I (major), ii (minor), iii (minor), IV (major), V (major), vi (minor), vii (diminished). This is why in C major, the C, F, and G chords are major while Dm, Em, and Am are minor. The tool applies these rules automatically when you select any key.
Can I search for a specific progression?
Yes. The search field filters the visible progressions by their Roman numeral pattern. For example, typing "vi" will show all progressions that contain a vi chord. The search is case-insensitive and matches any part of the progression name.
Is the Chord Progression Reference free?
Yes, completely free with no usage limits and no account required. It is part of liminfo.com's collection of free online music theory reference tools.