Compose Mode · Chord Progressions
Build Chord Progressions in Compose
Start from a template or record s directly from your instrument — then send the progression straight to Practice.
Open Compose → Chord Progressions
Tap Compose in the bottom nav, then select Chord Progressions from the sidebar. This is where you author, save, and manage all your custom progressions. Each progression stores the sequence, key, time signature, and play mode — everything the Practice mode needs to run a drill session.
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Compose → Chord ProgressionsStart from a template
Tap + New → From Template to browse 14 progressions across Pop, Jazz, Blues, and Classical styles. Each template shows its –– pattern, the style, and a short description of where it's used. Tap a template to preview it, then tap Use to open it in the editor.
Popular starting points:
• ––– — Pop, used in hundreds of songs
• –– — Jazz standard cadence
• ––– — Blues and rock
Build a progression from scratch
Tap + New → Blank to open an empty progression editor. Tap any empty slot and the picker appears — choose a root and quality (, , , , and more). Add as many slots as you need. Drag slots to reorder, swipe left to delete.
Record chords from your instrument
Arm a slot by tapping the record button on it, then play a on your MIDI keyboard or on-screen keyboard. Tiny Instrument detects the and fills the slot automatically. Arm the next slot and continue until your progression is complete.
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Compose → Chord ProgressionsSet key, tempo, and play mode
Use the toolbar controls to set the root key and time signature for the progression. Tap Play Mode to choose how each sounds during practice — Block (all notes at once), Arpeggio Up, Arpeggio Down, or Strum. The play mode here becomes the default when you send this progression to Practice.
Save and send to Practice
Tap Save to add the progression to your library. From the progression detail view, tap Practice to open the Chase the Notes or Falling Notes setup panel with this progression pre-loaded. Your key, tempo, and play mode settings carry over automatically.
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Practice → Chord PracticePractice in the app
Learn this on Tiny Instrument
Tiny Instrument teaches music theory through interactive lessons, ear training, and playful practice — all connected in one app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
More guides
Practice Mode · Chord Practice
Practice Chord Progressions
Set up Chase the Notes to drill a chord progression at your own pace, with BPM Goal Mode to build speed gradually.
Practice Mode · Hand Configuration
Practice with Multiple Hands
Use Drone to introduce a steady left hand, or Split to divide a chord across both hands — then practice each independently before combining.
Related lessons
Chapter 7 · Chord Progressions & Harmony
Chord Progressions Explained
Music gets its emotional power from how chords move from one to the next. Progressions are the grammar of harmony.
Chapter 5 · Chords
Piano Chords for Beginners
A chord is three or more notes played together. Knowing how to build them unlocks most of the music you want to play.