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AI tools • songwriting utility

Create playable chord progressions instantly

Produce idiomatic progressions, performer-ready voicings, and export-ready charts in seconds. Choose a style, set length and key, then download chord charts, MIDI-ready root lists, or MusicXML for notation editors.

Try the free generatorSee pricing & plans

Practical outcomes

How the generator helps you ship music faster

The generator focuses on usable harmony: progressions that are playable on guitar/piano, clear chord names, suggested voicings, and short theory notes that explain choices and substitution options. Use the output as a sketch to drop into your DAW, adapt for live performance, or as a lesson handout.

  • Generate 4–16 bar progressions with tempo and style hints.
  • Get instrument-specific voicings and alternate capo-friendly shapes.
  • Export a numbered chord chart or a CSV/MIDI-ready root list for fast DAW import.

Ready-to-use prompts

Prompt templates — copy, paste, adapt

Templates designed to be dropped into the generator or adapted in your workflow. They make it easy to ask for reharmonizations, modulations, instrument swaps, and export formats.

  • Basic progression generator: “Create a 4-bar chord progression in [key] for [genre]. Use diatonic triads, keep voicings playable on guitar, and provide capo recommendations.”
  • Extended harmony: “Generate an 8-bar jazz reharmonization of this melody: [paste melody]. Use ii–V–I patterns, list chord extensions (7,9,13), and suggest voicings.”
  • Pop hit template: “Produce verse–prechorus–chorus progression in G major suitable for modern pop; keep chorus bright and add a contrasting minor prechorus. Provide capo-friendly guitar shapes.”
  • Export-ready prompt: “Output the progression as a numbered chord chart plus a CSV of root positions suitable for importing into a DAW or notation editor.”

Bring ideas into your session

Output types & DAW-friendly exports

Choose the export format that fits your workflow. The generator provides compact outputs you can paste, import, or print for rehearsals.

Chord charts (PDF / ChordPro)

Printable, capo-aware chord sheets with suggested fingerings and optional rehearsal markers.

  • Numbered bars and section labels (verse, chorus, bridge)
  • Capo recommendations and transposed variants

MIDI-ready root lists & CSV

Root-position note lists exported as CSV for direct conversion to MIDI or quick piano-roll sketching in your DAW.

  • One row per bar with root note and duration
  • Simple copy/paste into Ableton, Logic, FL Studio, or a spreadsheet

MusicXML for notation editors

Simple MusicXML exports for Sibelius, Finale, Dorico, and other editors—ideal for lesson sheets or printed parts.

  • Includes chord symbols and basic voice-leading in root position
  • Works as a starting point for arranging and engraving

Playability matters

Instrument voicings, transposition & capo

Outputs include suggested guitar fingerings, piano voicings, and optional ukulele shapes. Use the transposition and capo options to adapt charts for vocalists or alternate tunings.

  • Guitar voicings prioritize common open and barre shapes for live playability.
  • Piano suggestions list left-hand bass notes and practical right-hand voicings.
  • Transpose or request capo adaptations to fit a singer’s range quickly.

Learn while you compose

Music-theory notes & reharmonization tips

Each progression includes a short explanation: the harmonic function of each chord, recommended substitutions, and simple inversion choices to alter color without changing the fundamental progression.

  • Why a IV–V–I works in the chorus and how to substitute a bVII for modal color.
  • Common jazz substitutions (tritone sub, secondary dominants) explained with example voicings.
  • How to simplify or complexify a progression with two-voice arrangements or extended chords.

Use cases

Who this is for

Designed for creators who need fast, actionable harmony ideas that translate to rehearsal rooms, DAW sessions, and classroom exercises.

  • Songwriters breaking through writer’s block with style-aware progressions.
  • Producers sketching arrangement ideas and importing root lists into a session.
  • Teachers generating ear-training examples and graded chord charts.
  • Guitarists and pianists wanting playable voicings and capo options for performance.

Post-generation workflow

Tips to make generated parts feel human

AI sketches are a starting point. Use these quick edits to add natural motion and musicality.

  • Add rhythmic variation: move voicing changes to off-beats, stagger voicing entrances across measures.
  • Use inversions and passing bass notes to smooth voice-leading.
  • Program subtle timing and velocity variations on exported MIDI roots to mimic a human player.

FAQ

Is the chord generator actually free, and are there limits on usage?

The tool is available free to use for on-demand generation. For any usage limits, batch exports, or advanced features beyond the free generator, check the pricing page for plan comparisons and limits.

What output formats are available (chord charts, MIDI-ready root lists, MusicXML, PNG)?

Typical outputs include printable chord charts (PDF/ChordPro), CSV or simple tables of root notes suitable for conversion to MIDI, and MusicXML for notation editors. PNG is provided for quick visual charts. Choose the export that matches your DAW or notation workflow.

How do I get generated chords into my DAW or notation program?

For DAWs: export the CSV or copy the MIDI-ready root list into a piano-roll track and set durations. For notation: use the MusicXML export to import into Sibelius, Dorico, or Finale. Printable chord charts can be used for rehearsals or quick reference in sessions.

Who owns the chords and progressions I generate — can I use them commercially?

Generated material is intended as compositional assistance. Ownership and commercial rights are governed by the platform’s Terms of Use—review those terms if you plan to publish or commercialize generated material, or consult legal counsel for specific concerns.

How accurate are the suggestions for advanced styles like jazz?

The generator produces theory-informed suggestions (ii–V–I, tritone substitutions, common extensions) and lists recommended voicings and extensions. For highly specialized or performance-critical jazz arranging, treat the output as a starting point and refine voicings and voice-leading by ear or with a trusted arranger.

Can I request instrument-specific voicings (guitar, piano, ukulele, bass)?

Yes. Select an instrument in your prompt to receive instrument-appropriate fingerings, voicing suggestions, and capo-friendly alternatives where applicable.

How do I transpose or create capo-friendly versions of a chart?

Use the transposition option to shift the key by semitones, or request a capo adaptation (e.g., “Capo 2, shapes in G”) and the generator will output chord shapes and transposed chord names that match the capo position.

Can the tool reharmonize an existing melody or chord sequence I provide?

Yes. Provide your melody or chord sequence in the prompt, indicate the target style (jazz, pop, cinematic), and request reharmonization. The output will include suggested substitutions, extensions, and voicings with brief theory notes.

What steps should I take after generation to make parts feel human (timing, voicing changes)?

Humanize exported MIDI by adding subtle timing offsets and velocity variation, apply inversions to smooth voice-leading, and introduce small rhythmic or dynamic variations. For live players, mark rhythmic accents and strum patterns on the chord chart.

Is data from my uploaded melodies or preferences stored or shared?

User-supplied melodies and preferences are handled according to the platform’s privacy and data policies. Avoid uploading material you don’t have rights to; review the privacy policy for storage and retention details.

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