Dress up a plain progression
Type the chords of a song, pick how far to go, and see each chord in a richer version. Every chord is described by its job in the key: home (I, vi), away (IV, ii) or tension (V). Colours that suit each job are offered, and each one is explained so you learn the idea as well as getting the result.
How to use the results
- Start with Gentle. Sevenths and an added 9th change the sound without changing the song.
- Change one chord at a time. A single colour chord at the right moment, such as a Vsus4 resolving to V before a chorus, is often more effective than changing everything.
- Listen to the melody against it. If a note clashes, try the plain chord for that bar.
- Keep what you like. There is no rule that says what has to stay.
To learn the reasons, work through the Colour Your Chords program and read when to use 7ths, 9ths and sus chords. To change the mood instead (major to minor) use the chord transposer.
Frequently asked questions
What does reharmonising mean?
Changing the chords under a tune while keeping the tune. A plain C – G – Am – F can become Cmaj7 – G/B – Am9 – Fmaj7 and sound richer, with the same melody on top.
Is there a right answer?
No. Music is fluid: any change is fine if you like how it sounds. The tool suggests colours that suit each chord's job in the key. Treat them as ideas to try, and keep the ones your ear likes.
What do Gentle, Richer and Jazzy mean?
Gentle adds sevenths and an added 9th (the song still sounds like itself). Richer adds 9ths, 11ths, slash-chord bass lines and suspended chords that resolve. Jazzy adds altered dominants, tritone substitutions and extra ii–V or secondary dominant chords.
Why does it ask for a key?
The right colour depends on a chord's job in the key: a 9th on a ii chord sounds lovely, while the same 9th on a iii chord clashes. The tool detects the key from your chords. If it guesses wrong, choose the key yourself.
Will it work with a melody?
Keep the melody notes in mind. If the melody sits on a note the new chord changes (for example a 7th or 9th above the root), try the plain chord for that bar or another option. Your ear decides.