You're in the key of C Major. The diatonic chords are C (I), Dm (ii), Em (iii), F (IV), G (V), Am (vi), Bdim (vii°).
About Ukulele Chord Progressions
A ukulele chord progression is the sequence of chords that carries a song's harmony and mood. This chord progression builder lets you experiment in any key, or use it as a simple generator when you want a starting point. Sketch your own ideas, try familiar patterns, or loop a backing track and play along, jam along, or solo on your uke.
Pick a key and mode at the top of the builder, and the chord palette reshapes to match. Major and minor are the usual starting points, but modes like Dorian, Mixolydian, and Phrygian change which chords belong to the key and the flavor they bring. That helps when you want something brighter, darker, or more unusual than straight major or minor.
The palette organizes chords that fit your chosen key. Diatonic triads are the seven chords built from that key's scale, the safest pool for writing in key. Sevenths and ninths are richer versions of those same roots, for a jazzier or more colorful sound. Substitutions are alternate chords that can stand in for a diatonic chord while keeping the progression moving. They are useful when you want a twist without leaving the key. Press play to hear your progression loop, then play along or jam along on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common chord progressions to try?
If you are writing your first song, these patterns are a friendly starting point. In C major they sound like this:
- I-V-vi-IV (C-G-Am-F): pop and singer-songwriter
- I-IV-V (C-F-G): folk, rock, and blues
- vi-IV-I-V (Am-F-C-G): emotional pop ballads
- I-vi-IV-V (C-Am-F-G): oldies and doo-wop
Tap Load progression for a preset, or Inspire me for a ready-made progression with beat and tempo. You can also treat the numerals above as a template and swap in chords from your key.
How do I figure out which chords go together?
Start with chords from the same key. Pick a key and mode in the builder and the palette shows chords that belong together. Those are called diatonic chords.
A practical path is to try a familiar progression (like the ones above), then change one chord at a time and listen to what happens. There is no single right answer. Your ear is part of the process. Loop a short progression, play along on your uke, and keep what sounds good to you.
What does I-IV-V mean?
Roman numerals describe where each chord sits in the key. I is home, IV is the fourth chord, and V is the fifth. A I-IV-V progression uses just those three chords.
In C major that is C-F-G. In G major it is G-C-D. You will hear this shape everywhere in folk, rock, country, and blues. You do not need to memorize the theory to use it. Load a preset or tap those chords from the palette and listen.
How do I try a progression in a different key?
Change the key selector at the top of the builder. The palette and any chords already in your progression update to match.
That is useful when a progression feels right but sits too high or low for your voice. You might build something in C major, then switch to G major to sing it more comfortably, without rebuilding the whole thing by hand.
What are modes, and do I need them?
Not at first. Major and minor are enough for most beginner songwriting. Modes are alternate scales built from the same notes, and each one shifts the mood of the chords in the palette.
Try them when you want something brighter, darker, or more unusual than plain major or minor. Dorian and Mixolydian are good next steps. Pick a mode, see which chords appear, and experiment the same way you would in major or minor.
I only play other people's songs. Why write my own progressions?
Learning songs teaches you someone else's chord choices. Writing your own teaches you what you like.
The builder makes that low stakes. Hear a combination instantly, loop a backing track, swap a chord, and play along or jam along on your uke. Practice solo with no band, no recording setup, and no pressure to finish a full song on day one. Many players start by noodling with a few chords until something clicks.