Key Explorer
Pick a key to see the chords that belong to it, or pick a chord to see the keys it fits. Shows how the two relate.
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Related
Explore keys for these chords
Related scales
Related lessons
Deepen your understanding with the structured lesson behind this tool.
Build Your First Chord
Read the lesson →Common Chord Progressions
Read the lesson →Build Your First Chord Progression
Read the lesson →How to Analyze a Chord Progression
Read the lesson →
Music Theory Fundamentals
Read the lesson →Scale Construction: Building Scales from Patterns
Read the lesson →Scale Degree Ear Training
Read the lesson →The Circle of Fifths
Read the lesson →Minor Scales: Natural, Harmonic, and Melodic
Read the lesson →Pentatonic Scales: The Universal Foundation
Read the lesson →Modes: Seven Flavors of the Major Scale
Read the lesson →
Questions
How do I find the diatonic chords in a key?
Select any key in the Key Explorer and it shows all seven diatonic triads with their Roman numeral positions (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, viio). You see scale degrees, chord types, and how parallel modes relate.
What are parallel modes in music?
Parallel modes are scales that share the same root note but use different interval patterns. For example, C major, C minor, C Dorian, and C Mixolydian all start on C but have different character. The Key Explorer maps these relationships.
What is a scale degree?
A scale degree is the position of a note within a scale, numbered 1 through 7. Each degree has a name: tonic (1), supertonic (2), mediant (3), subdominant (4), dominant (5), submediant (6), and leading tone (7).
How does the Key Explorer help with songwriting?
By showing all diatonic chords in a key, you can quickly find compatible chords for progressions. The Roman numeral analysis helps you understand common progression patterns like I-IV-V or ii-V-I.