How do I use the "Compose Chord Progressions for Songs" prompt?

Copy the prompt template, fill in the variables (GENRE, KEY, TIME_SIGNATURE, TEMPO, MOOD, SONG_STRUCTURE), and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini.

What AI tools work with this creative prompt?

This prompt works with chatgpt, claude, gemini. Simply copy and paste the template into any of these AI assistants.

Tips for getting the best results?

Specify the exact emotional journey you want the song to take for more targeted chord suggestions Include reference artists or songs in your genre for style-specific progressions Ask for MIDI numbers or guitar tab positions if you need help with physical execution Request both simple triads and extended chords to get options for different skill levels Mention any instruments you're writing for to get appropriate voicing recommendations

creative intermediate

Compose Chord Progressions for Songs

Generate compelling chord progressions for any song style. Get detailed harmonic analysis, voice leading tips, and multiple variations to enhance your music.

Works with: chatgptclaudegemini

Prompt Template

You are an expert music theorist and composer. I need you to create chord progressions for a song with the following specifications: **Song Details:** - Genre: [GENRE] - Key: [KEY] - Time Signature: [TIME_SIGNATURE] - Tempo: [TEMPO] BPM - Mood/Feel: [MOOD] - Song Structure: [SONG_STRUCTURE] Please provide: 1. **Main Chord Progression**: Create a primary chord progression that fits the genre and mood. Use both Roman numeral analysis and actual chord names. 2. **Section Variations**: Provide different chord progressions for: - Verse - Chorus/Hook - Bridge (if applicable) - Pre-chorus (if needed) 3. **Harmonic Analysis**: Explain the function of each chord and why it works in this context. Include any borrowed chords, secondary dominants, or modal interchange. 4. **Voice Leading Notes**: Provide guidance on smooth voice leading between chords, including specific voicings or inversions that work well. 5. **Alternative Variations**: Suggest 2-3 alternative progressions that maintain the same mood but offer different harmonic colors. 6. **Rhythmic Suggestions**: Recommend strumming patterns, chord rhythms, or timing that complement the progression. Format your response clearly with headers for each section. Include chord symbols (e.g., Cmaj7, Am, F) and Roman numeral analysis (e.g., I, vi, IV).

Variables to Customize

[GENRE]

The musical genre or style of the song

Example: indie folk rock

[KEY]

The key signature for the song

Example: G major

[TIME_SIGNATURE]

The time signature of the song

Example: 4/4

[TEMPO]

The tempo in beats per minute

Example: 120

[MOOD]

The emotional mood or feeling of the song

Example: nostalgic and uplifting

[SONG_STRUCTURE]

The basic structure of the song

Example: verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus

Example Output

## Main Chord Progression **G - Em - C - D** (I - vi - IV - V) This classic progression in G major provides a perfect foundation for indie folk rock with nostalgic yet uplifting qualities. ## Section Variations **Verse:** G - Em - C - D **Chorus:** C - G - Am - D - C - G - D **Bridge:** Am - C - G - D - Em - C - Am - D ## Harmonic Analysis - G (I): Establishes tonal center, provides stability - Em (vi): Creates emotional depth, the relative minor adds introspection - C (IV): Brightens the progression, classic subdominant function - D (V): Dominant creates tension, pulls back to G ## Voice Leading Notes - Use G major in first inversion (B in bass) transitioning to Em for smoother bass movement - Voice the C chord with E on top for melodic continuity - Consider D/F# for stronger pull back to G ## Alternative Variations 1. **G - Em - Am - C - D** (adds ii chord for more sophistication) 2. **G - D/F# - Em - C** (descending bass line) 3. **G - Em7 - Cadd9 - D sus4-D** (extended chords for modern flavor) ## Rhythmic Suggestions Use a fingerpicking pattern with emphasis on beats 1 and 3, or try a down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern at 120 BPM for authentic indie folk feel.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Specify the exact emotional journey you want the song to take for more targeted chord suggestions
Include reference artists or songs in your genre for style-specific progressions
Ask for MIDI numbers or guitar tab positions if you need help with physical execution
Request both simple triads and extended chords to get options for different skill levels
Mention any instruments you're writing for to get appropriate voicing recommendations