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Diatonic Chord Finder
See every chord that belongs to a key, with Roman numerals and worship progressions.
Common Worship Progressions in
What does Roman numeral notation mean?
Roman numerals (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°) describe each chord's position in the scale. Uppercase = major, lowercase = minor, ° = diminished. Because they describe the pattern rather than specific notes, a I–V–vi–IV progression works the same way in any key — just on different notes. This is why Nashville Number charts are so powerful for worship teams.
Which chords are used most in worship music?
The I, IV, and V chords (tonic, subdominant, dominant) are the backbone of nearly every worship song. The vi chord (relative minor) adds emotional depth and is used in almost every I–V–vi–IV progression. The ii chord often substitutes for IV and gives a slightly more sophisticated sound. The vii° is rarely used in modern worship.
How do I use this when writing a worship song?
Start with I–IV–V–I to establish the key and build a verse. Add the vi chord for emotional contrast in a bridge or pre-chorus. The I–V–vi–IV loop (also called the "four chord song") is the foundation of hundreds of worship songs. To add sophistication, try replacing V with ii, or ending a phrase on the IV chord instead of resolving to I — that unresolved feeling is widely used in contemporary worship.