Music · a topic
Chords and progressions, Taught not just answered.
A real-time, 1:1 lesson on Chords and progressions: an AI teacher explains it out loud while it visualizes every step. Interrupt it, ask why, and it checks you got it, in 26 languages.
The idea
What is Chords and progressions?
Chords and progressions are the vertical and horizontal sides of harmony. A chord is three or more notes played together; a triad stacks a root, third and fifth, and its quality depends on the size of those intervals. Chords are numbered by scale degree with Roman numerals I to vii. A progression is a sequence of chords, such as I, V, vi, IV, that creates tension and release; the dominant (V) pulling home to the tonic (I) is the strongest move in Western harmony.
Where it appears: ABRSM and Trinity theory Grades 3 to 6, GCSE and A Level Music, AP Music Theory, IB Music, songwriting courses.
Where learners get stuck
Why Chords and progressions is hard
Learners can build chords but not hear why one follows another, confuse chord inversions with different chords, and cannot transfer a progression from one key to another without Roman numerals.
The picture a good explanation starts with: A keyboard with the seven triads of C major built on each scale step, labelled with Roman numerals and their quality, and the I, V, vi, IV progression drawn as arrows between them.
A lesson, step by step
How a lesson on Chords and progressions goes
01
Ask
Type or say "Why does the V chord want to go back to I?" in your own words, in any of 26 languages.
02
Plan
The tutor plans a storyboard, one picture per idea, starting with a keyboard with the seven triads of C major built on each scale step, labelled with Roman numerals and their quality, and the I, V, vi, IV progression drawn as arrows between them.
03
Explain
It explains Chords and progressions out loud while the picture builds step by step, pitched to your level (ABRSM and Trinity theory Grades 3 to 6 and up).
04
Interrupt
Say "wait, why?" or type a doubt: it stops, answers over the picture, and carries on. Ask for a different explanation any time.
05
Check
A checkpoint question makes sure the idea landed, and Tests keep the practice going.
06
Your notes
Upload a PDF or a photo of your class notes or a past paper and the lesson follows your textbook's terms.
Ask it anything
Questions learners ask about Chords and progressions
- Why does the V chord want to go back to I?
- What makes a chord major or minor?
- How do I work out the chords in a key?
Any of these, or your own, typed or spoken. The tutor answers on the picture and adapts to how well you are following.
Questions
Asked, Answered
Can LetMeTeach explain Chords and progressions?
Yes. Ask in your own words and the tutor plans a lesson on Chords and progressions: it starts with a keyboard with the seven triads of C major built on each scale step, labelled with Roman numerals and their quality, and the I, V, vi, IV progression drawn as arrows between them. Then it explains each step out loud as the picture builds, stops when you say "wait, why?", and ends with a checkpoint question.
Where does Chords and progressions come up?
ABRSM and Trinity theory Grades 3 to 6, GCSE and A Level Music, AP Music Theory, IB Music, songwriting courses. The lesson is pitched to your level and the exam or curriculum you follow, and you can upload your own notes or past papers so it uses your textbook's terms.
Can I learn Chords and progressions in my own language?
Yes. LetMeTeach teaches in 26 languages and plans the lesson in the language you choose rather than translating an English one, so the terms match what your textbook says. The Free plan includes 7 hours a month with no card.
Last updated
Learn Chords and progressions, Starting now.
Ask "Why does the V chord want to go back to I?" and watch the answer drawn. The Free plan needs no card.