Short answer A progression sounds happy when it starts and rests on the key’s major chord (I) and leans on IV and V. Try I–V–vi–IV (G–D–Em–C in G) or I–IV–I–V (G–C–G–D). “Generate another” gives you more bright combinations in the key you choose, and they play right away with strumming.
Rules checked on November 10, 2026.
Your progression Mood or genre Sad Happy Epic Nostalgic Tense Pop Ballad Rock Reggaeton Rumba Sertanejo Bossa nova Key C D♭ D E♭ E F G♭ G A♭ A B♭ B Chord names Letters (C, G, Am) Solfège (Do, Sol, Lam)
G I Tonic D V Dominant Em vi Tonic · relative C IV Subdominant G · 116 BPM
Generate another Play Copy
Turn on JavaScript to generate and hear progressions. There is an example above.
Why it sounds this way The ear hears the major first-degree chord as home, and I → IV → V → I is the clearest path in harmony: a short tension and a return. Minor chords (ii, vi) add colour without dimming the mood as long as they are not the starting point. A lively tempo and a firm strum do the rest.
Progressions to start with Chords in G Numerals Function Play G – D – Em – C I – V – vi – IV Tonic – Dominant – Tonic · relative – Subdominant Play Use this one G – C – G – D I – IV – I – V Tonic – Subdominant – Tonic – Dominant Play Use this one G – Em – C – D I – vi – IV – V Tonic – Tonic · relative – Subdominant – Dominant Play Use this one G – C – Am – D I – IV – ii – V Tonic – Subdominant – Subdominant – Dominant Play Use this one G – Bm – C – D I – iii – IV – V Tonic – Tonic · substitute – Subdominant – Dominant Play Use this one
What it does not do It does not use AI or write the song: it suggests chords from harmony rules, and the melody and lyrics are yours. It does not make audio to release: the sound is a simple guide for trying ideas. It does not analyse existing songs or tell you which hit uses a progression: chords have no owner and repeat across thousands of songs. It saves nothing and sends your choices to no server: everything happens in your browser.