Chord Progressor
Interactive Tonnetz chord progression and scale explorer for songwriting, ear training, and practical music theory.
Click a play icon to hear a chord. Undo by removing the last chord.
Tonnetz neighbors (P / L / R) plus the scale palette so you can branch freely.
Parallel (P), Relative (R), Leading (L)
Degrees from the current scale (with any progression hints)
6-string EADGBE, frets 0–12. Numbers mark frets containing scale tones.
Quick modulations or borrowed palettes to hop out for a chord or two.
Learn chord progressions, Tonnetz, and scales
Chord Progressor (chordprogressor.com) is a free, interactive music theory app for exploring chord progressions and scales in any key. Start with a key and scale, click chords to build a progression, and listen in real time. Suggestions update after every chord using the Tonnetz chord web (P/L/R minimal voice-leading) plus a full scale palette so you can stay diatonic or borrow color.
- Chord progression builder with Tonnetz neighbors and scale-degree chords.
- Instant audio playback, adjustable tempo, and beats per chord.
- Melody track to sketch notes beat‑by‑beat over your harmony.
- Scale tones, guitar-style scale tabs, and modulation/pivot ideas.
- Huge scale library: diatonic modes, harmonic/melodic minor, bebop, blues, pentatonics, symmetric and exotic scales.
Guides and glossary
- Common chord progressions in major/minor
- ii‑V‑I in all keys
- Tonnetz P/L/R explained
- Harmonic minor modes chart + uses
- Bebop scales for improvisation
- All guides
- Searchable glossary
How the Tonnetz chord web works
The Tonnetz represents triads in a lattice where nearby chords share tones. The three classic moves are Parallel (P), Relative (R), and Leading‑tone exchange (L). Each move changes only one note, producing smooth voice leading and dependable “next chord” choices for songwriting, jazz harmony, and film scoring.
Breaking out of the current scale
Great progressions often step outside the key for contrast. Use modal mixture (borrowing from the parallel mode), secondary dominants, or quick pivots to relative and nearby keys. The Break out / pivot ideas panel suggests practical options you can try for a chord or two before returning home.
Scales and modes included
Choose from chromatic, major and minor modes (Ionian through Locrian), harmonic minor and melodic minor modes, harmonic major modes, whole‑tone, diminished/octatonic, augmented hexatonic, major/minor pentatonics and Japanese pentatonics, blues and bebop scales, plus common exotic 12‑TET scales.
FAQ
What is Chord Progressor?
Chord Progressor is an interactive chord progression and scale explorer. It helps you hear and connect chords, visualize Tonnetz moves, and build melodies on top of your progression.
How do Tonnetz moves help with chord progressions?
P/L/R moves connect major and minor triads through minimal voice‑leading. They are a fast way to find smooth, musical next chords without memorizing long rules.
Can I modulate or borrow chords from another key?
Yes. Try the pivot ideas panel to jump to relative or parallel keys, dominant/subdominant regions, or same‑tonic modes for temporary color.
Is this useful for guitar or piano?
Both. The app shows scale tones and a simple guitar fretboard tab, and the chord/melody playback works for any instrument.