Chord Progressions

Release 2026.03.12

Chord Progressions

Ultimately StringTheoryPRO is all about helping musicians to create their own unique music. That's why our chords are always shown in the context of a musical key. But everyone needs a little inspiration sometimes, and that's where our Chord Progressions feature comes in.

String Theory's latest release improves on the Chord Progression functionality. Progressions are now organized by genre and selectable via a new dropdown menu. Chords can be both diatonic (made only with notes from in the current key) or non-diatonic (can include notes from outside the current key).

Redesigned Interface

We've completely re-imagined the user interface for the Chord Progressions screen. The progression itself is now displayed in measures, with each chord listed by both name (e.g. C Maj) and with roman number notation (e.g. ♭VII7). Chord diagrams for each chord in the progression are displayed below for reference.

Transposing Chord Progressions

Chord progressions can be transposed into another key simply by selecting a new key or mode from the key change menu.

While [perhaps] obvious to experienced players, it is interesting [for beginners] to learn that chord progressions are totally independent of musical key. That's why the chords in a progression are labeled with numbers (we use standard roman numeral notation).

For example the chord progression I-IV-V (or 1-4-5) represents playing the first, fourth and fifth chords in any key. The chords themselves are undefined until a key is selected. In the key of C: 1-4-5 equates to C-F-G, because C, F, and G are the first, fourth and fifths chords in the key of C. But, in the key of G, 1-4-5 equates to G-C-D because G, C and D are the first, fourth and fifths chords in the key of G.

While changing keys changes the underlying chords in a progression, the basic feel of the progression stays intact throughout varying keys and modes.