Practice Games
Chord Progressions
Play common chord progressions in any key. See a sequence of chords, play each one in order. This builds the harmonic vocabulary you need for lead sheets, accompaniment, and improvisation.
Quick Overview
- ✓ Goal — Play a sequence of chords in the correct order
- ✓ Common progressions — I-IV-V-I, I-V-vi-IV, ii-V-I, 12-bar blues, and more
- ✓ Any key — Practice progressions in every key to build fluency across the keyboard
- ✓ Adjustable hints — See note names, just chord symbols, or Roman numerals only
- ✓ Any octave — Play each chord wherever feels comfortable on your keyboard
1 What Are Chord Progressions?
A chord progression is a sequence of chords that forms the harmonic backbone of a song. Almost all popular music uses the same handful of progressions. Learn those patterns and you can accompany thousands of songs.
The game focuses on the progressions you'll encounter most often. I-IV-V-I is the backbone of classical and folk music. I-V-vi-IV powers half the pop songs on the radio. ii-V-I is the bread and butter of jazz. Master these and you've covered a lot of ground.
2 Settings
Progression Focus
Choose which progressions to practice. Start with the basics (I-IV-V-I, I-V-vi-IV) before tackling jazz progressions like ii-V-I or the 12-bar blues.
Keys
Select which keys to practice in. Start with C major and G major, then expand. The game randomly picks from your selected keys, so you can't just memorize one key's fingering.
Hint Level
At the highest level, you see chord names with individual note names. At medium, you see chord symbols only (like "Dm" or "G7"). At the lowest, you see only Roman numerals (ii, V, I). The less help, the more you rely on your knowledge of each key.
3 How to Play
- A progression appears with a key (e.g., "Key of G: I - IV - V - I").
- Play the first chord (G major) on your MIDI keyboard. Hold all notes at once.
- If correct, the game highlights it and moves to the next chord in the sequence.
- Play each chord in order until you complete the progression.
- If you play a wrong chord, the game tells you. Try again.
Correct
"Key of C: I-V-vi-IV"—you play C major, G major, A minor, F major. Done.
Wrong
"Key of C: I-V-vi-IV"—you play C major, G major, A major. The vi chord in C major is A minor, not A major. Try again.
Any octave accepted. Play each chord wherever your hands land. The game checks note names, not octave positions.
4 Common Progressions
I - IV - V - I
The most fundamental progression in Western music. Classical, folk, hymns, rock—it's everywhere. In C: C, F, G, C.
I - V - vi - IV
The "pop progression." Used in countless hit songs. In C: C, G, Am, F. If you learn this in every key, you can accompany a huge chunk of popular music.
ii - V - I
The essential jazz progression. In C: Dm, G, C. You'll find this in practically every jazz standard.
12-Bar Blues
I-I-I-I, IV-IV-I-I, V-IV-I-V. Twelve measures that define blues, rock and roll, and early jazz. Learn it and you can jam with anyone.
vi - IV - I - V
Another common pop rotation. Same chords as I-V-vi-IV, just starting on the minor chord. In C: Am, F, C, G.
Tips
- Learn the Roman numerals. I is major, ii and iii are minor, IV and V are major, vi is minor, vii is diminished. This pattern is the same in every major key.
- Start in C major. No sharps or flats to worry about. Get the progression shapes under your fingers first.
- Then move through keys. Once you can play I-IV-V-I in C, try G, then D, then F. Work through all twelve keys.
- Think about voice leading. Don't jump your hand across the keyboard between chords. Find the closest voicing for the next chord.
- Combine with Chord Builder. If you can't remember how to build individual chords, practice those first in Chord Builder.
Troubleshooting
I don't understand Roman numeral notation
Roman numerals describe chords relative to the key. In any major key: I = chord built on the 1st note (major), IV = chord on the 4th note (major), V = chord on the 5th note (major), vi = chord on the 6th note (minor).
Uppercase = major, lowercase = minor. Start with the highest hint level where you can see actual chord names, then gradually switch to Roman numerals.
I keep playing major chords where minor chords are needed
In a major key, the ii, iii, and vi chords are always minor. The most common mistake is playing A major instead of A minor for the vi chord in C major.
If this keeps tripping you up, spend some time in Chord Builder to solidify the difference between major and minor chord shapes.
My MIDI keyboard isn't being detected
Connect your keyboard before opening the game. If already connected, refresh the page. See MIDI Not Working? for more help.
Still Need Help?
If the Chord Progressions game isn't working as expected, let us know. Include which progression and key you're having trouble with.
Response time: 2-3 business days