Songwriters sometimes fall into familiar patterns, relying on the same handful of chord progressions. This tool sparks creativity by randomly assembling chords based on your chosen key and scale. Whether you're composing pop, rock, or electronic music, a new progression can inspire melodies and lyrics that feel fresh.
The generator selects chords from the diatonic scale degrees. In the key of C major, for instance, the chords are C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, and Bdim. When you press Generate, the script randomly picks from these chords, ensuring they fit the selected key and scale type. You can adjust the number of chords to create short hooks or longer verses.
While more conceptual than numerical, the selection process can be represented mathematically:
Here rand(1,7) picks a random integer between 1 and 7, corresponding to each degree of the scale. The process repeats until the desired length is reached.
Different styles of music emphasize unique harmonic patterns. Pop songs often use the well-known I‑V‑vi‑IV progression, while jazz might incorporate more complex ii‑V‑I turnarounds. Experimenting with random progressions can reveal harmonies you wouldn't normally try. Adjust the key or scale to shift the mood—minor keys evoke melancholy, while major keys feel bright and uplifting.
Once you generate a series of chords, try strumming them on guitar or playing them on the piano. See how the sequence flows and whether it sparks melodic ideas. You might rearrange the chords or repeat certain ones to create tension and release. The generator is a starting point; your creativity determines where the progression ultimately goes.
If you produce electronic music, use the chords as MIDI notes to control synthesizers. You can arpeggiate them, add rhythmic stabs, or layer them with pads. For orchestral arrangements, assign chords to different sections of strings, brass, or woodwinds. The random nature of the generator encourages exploration beyond your habitual sound.
When you hit on a progression you love, save it! Keep a notebook or digital document with your favorites, noting the key and any variations you tried. Over time you'll build a library of harmonic ideas ready to inspire future projects.
For a more sophisticated approach, experiment with secondary dominants or modal interchange. You can substitute chords from parallel keys—borrowing a bVII from the Mixolydian mode, for instance. Try transposing the entire progression using our chord transposition tool to see how it sounds in different keys.
Many producers use random chord progressions as a warm-up exercise. Recording spontaneous jams can lead to hooks that would otherwise never emerge. Even if you scrap the initial chords, the improvisation may spark a melody or rhythm worth developing. Keeping an open mind is key; sometimes the best ideas arise from playful experimentation.
Writer's block happens to every musician. A simple push of the Generate button can break the spell and send you in a new direction. Use this calculator whenever you need a spark of inspiration, then tweak the results until they match your artistic vision. Happy composing!
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