Progression
Next chord
Click a chord to hear it and add it to the progression. The order never changes — a red margin rule marks what is recommended from where you are now.
In key
Scale tones:
Voice-leading · Tonnetz
P, L and R each move a single note, so these connect smoothly to your last chord.
Scale on the fretboard
Pivot ideas
Borrow a nearby key or mode for a chord or two, then come home.
Learn chord progressions, Tonnetz, and scales
Chord Progressor 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 colour.
- Chord progression builder with Tonnetz neighbours and scale-degree chords.
- Instant audio playback, adjustable tempo, and beats per chord.
- Scale tones, guitar-style scale tabs, and modulation/pivot ideas.
- A large scale library: diatonic modes, harmonic and melodic minor, bebop, blues, pentatonics, symmetric and exotic scales.
Guides and glossary
- Common chord progressions in major and minor
- ii‑V‑I in all keys
- Tonnetz P/L/R explained
- Harmonic minor modes chart and 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 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 and minor pentatonics and Japanese pentatonics, blues and bebop scales, plus common exotic 12‑TET scales.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chord Progressor?
An interactive chord progression and scale explorer. It helps you hear and connect chords and visualise Tonnetz moves as you write.
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 memorising 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 and subdominant regions, or same-tonic modes for temporary colour.
Is this useful for guitar or piano?
Both. The app shows scale tones and a guitar fretboard tab, and the chord playback works for any instrument.