The What Chords Can Follow This Chord? tool helps songwriters and musicians explore possible chord choices after a chord they've already written or played. It's useful when you have a strong starting chord but aren't sure where to take the progression next.

Remember that there isn't always one “correct” chord that has to come next. Chord progressions depend on key, melody, bass movement, genre, rhythm, and musical context. A chord that sounds unexpected in one progression can sound completely natural in another.

One useful technique is to consider the function of the chord you're currently playing. A tonic chord can feel settled, while predominant chords often create movement and dominant chords tend to create tension that wants resolution. Understanding these relationships can help you make intentional choices rather than simply selecting chords at random.

You can also experiment with inversions and bass notes. Sometimes you don't need an entirely different chord to create movement. Changing the bass note or using a different inversion can make the transition smoother while preserving much of the original harmony.

Another lesser-known trick is to temporarily ignore traditional theory and choose a chord based on your melody note. If your melody lands on a particular note, try finding chords that contain that note. You may discover an unexpected harmonic option.

Tip: Generate several possibilities and play each one immediately after your original chord. Your ear is often better at identifying the right progression than theory alone. Use the suggestions as creative starting points rather than rules.

Related Pages:

Types Of Non-Chord Tones (Also Called Non-Harmonic Tones)

What Is An Arpeggio? A Full Breakdown Of Its Possibilities