Chord Progression Ear Training
To recognize entire chord progressions by ear (like the famous I-V-vi-IV pop progression), you must first have absolute, instant recognition of individual chord qualities.
The prerequisite to progressions
You cannot identify a chord progression if you can't tell a Major chord from a Minor chord. When a song moves from the I chord (Major) to the vi chord (Minor), your ear must instantly recognize that the emotional color just turned "sad."
Hearing the Bass Line
The second half of recognizing progressions is hearing the root movement. The bass usually plays the root of the chord. If you can hear that the bass just jumped up a Perfect 5th, and the chord quality is Major, you know exactly what chord was just played.
How to train for progressions
BananaTone isolates the two skills you need:
- Use Chord mode to master qualities (Major, Minor, Diminished).
- Use Interval mode to master bass root movement (P4, P5, Major 2nd).
Combine these two skills, and you will be able to map out any pop song in real-time.
Ready to practice?
BananaTone is a free, fast ear training app. No sign-up required — just open and start practicing.