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Chord Theory

Chord Progression Player

Play classic progressions like Pachelbel's Canon, the Royal Road, the blues, and II-V-I. Change key and tempo to hear how the same pattern moves.

How to use ↓
Key
BPM100
Royal Road ProgressionJ-Pop

IV–V–IIIm–VIm, the staple J-pop chorus progression (Japanese: 王道進行): bright yet bittersweet

Step / 4
FF A C
GG B D
EmE G B
AmA C E
Preset
—/4Royal Road Progression

What is this tool?

A player that lets you audition classic chord progressions — pop, jazz, blues, and more — while freely changing key and tempo. Over 10 preset progressions are included, with the active chord highlighted during playback.

When it helps

  • Internalize classic progressions

    Hear progressions like the Canon, J-pop Royal Road, and 12-bar Blues to recognize them by ear.

  • Spark songwriting ideas

    Same progression, different key and tempo — the vibe shifts completely. Great for kickstarting a new song.

  • Practice singing & strumming

    Slow the BPM to learn a progression, or transpose to fit your voice or instrument.

How to use

  1. 1 On the Presets tab, pick a progression. If unsure, start with Royal Road.
  2. 2 Change the Key and the chord names update automatically.
  3. 3 Use the BPM slider to adjust tempo — slower is easier to follow.
  4. 4 Press Play at the bottom to loop the progression with live chord highlighting.
  5. 5 Open the related Chord Progression Builder to create your own progression by hand.

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