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About the Chord Genome Project

How to Chord Genome

Chord Genome Project
Features & Filters

Search Songs by Chord
The Chord Genome Project lets you search for songs based on the chords they use. If you're having trouble adding chords, be sure to watch this video.

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Genre & Decade Filters
You can filter songs by genre and decade. This is useful if you only like 1950’s Rock…or 1980’s Pop. You'll definitely need to use these filters as you add more chords.

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Wildcard Chord Searches
Adding a wildcard lets you find thousands of songs that are one chord away from being playable. This is useful if you want to learn new chords and play harder music.

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Search by Chord "Progression"
Use the All Keys filter to search for songs using common chord groupings - from the I-IV-V to the Andalusian Cadence.

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The Next Best Chord
As the name implies, this tool can you tell you exactly what chord to learn next - based on your instrument, genre, and current chord knowledge.

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Force Last Chord Filter
This filter allows you to force any chord of your choice to always appear in the results. This is useful when trying to learn tough chords - like F on guitar or E on ukulele.

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What Songs Can I Play
with the Chords I Know?

To find out, use the Search tool below.

Search Songs by Chord

Add your chords to the search bar below.

Type chords here or import from My Library

Instrument
Filters

You’ll Become Addicted to Playing Again

(GUARANTEED)

Learn how to overcome the biggest hurdle(s) holding you back.

Boredom

Tired of playing the same songs?

How to Fix
Take the chords to that tune and run a search. You’ll see tons of music you could be playing instead.

For example, here's a Sample List of Classic Rock songs with G, C, D, Em.

Plug in your own chords, genres, and decades, and you'll NEVER be bored again.

It's impossible.

Better still, you'll pick up your instrument more often - and hold onto it a little longer every time.

And that's the secret to improving - i.e. time spent with your craft.

Frustration

My progress is slow and painful.

How to Fix
When you're frustrated, it means you're trying to play music you're not ready for yet.

Here's a better approach:

  • Run a search of all the chords you're comfortable with. You'll see a massive list of songs that use those exact chords.
  • This list represents your comfort zone. But it's only a starting place. You'll eventually grow tired of those songs and be ready for slightly harder music.
  • When you're ready to "improve," try adding a Wildcard to the chords you already know. You'll see a huge collection of songs that are just outside your comfort zone. Every tune is literally one chord away.

If you can establish a baseline and add just one more chord (and then another) - you'll NEVER be frustrated again.

Motivation

Playing just isn't fun any more.

How to Fix
In the beginning you wanted to play. Now you feel like you should play.

Music has become a chore. And it no longer brings you joy.

The secret lies in finding that Goldilocks Zone of music that rewards and challenges you.

When you have instant access to hundreds (if not thousands) of songs that all use chords you know, you won't be able to put your instrument down.

And when you add a Wildcard, you'll see thousands of songs that are well within your reach.

Follow this simple formula, and you'll become addicted to playing again - guaranteed.

Knowledge

I don't know enough chords yet.

How to Fix
You need at least 3 chords to run a search. And with those chords, you can do a LOT of damage.

For example, here are sample lists of 3-chord songs with G,C,D and A,D,E and C,F,G and DGA.

If you don't know any chords yet, start here. You'll see easy tunes with 1, 2, and 3 chords (for your instrument). And you'll be playing music in no time.

Once you know 3 (or more chords), come back here and run a search.

Confusion

I don't know what to do next.

How to Fix
That's easy to fix.

Add whatever chords you know to the search tool above. You'll see a huge list of songs with those exact chords.

Start there and enjoy yourself.

Then, ask for the Next Best Chord and run a new search.

You'll see even more amazing songs - all of which are 1 chord outside your comfort zone.

Rinse and repeat.

To see what that looks like, here are INTERACTIVE examples for Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, and Banjo.

Injury

It really hurts when I play.

How to Fix
Callouses on the fingertips are normal. And your arm will get tired from strumming all day. But if you start to feel muscle or nerve pain - STOP.

Never play through pain.

In fact, using my site will only make things worse (the whole point of the Chord Genome Project is to get you addicted to your instrument).

It sounds like reverse psychology, but it isn't. I absolutely want your money and would love for you to stay onboard for a long time. But that won't happen if you're sitting on the sidelines (temporarily or permanently) nursing an injury.

Rest. Recover. Then come back.
  • Add a Wildcard Chord, and you’ll see songs slightly ABOVE your skill level.
  • This is the Goldilocks Zone - i.e. music that is both challenging and rewarding.
  • Stay in this Zone, and you’ll constantly improve (and have fun in the process).

"Finding songs that have only the chords I know is HUGE for a beginner."
- Jason S

"Its a great idea. In 25 years of playing in bands (I'm a drummer) I've never seen this concept before."
- Dan P

"Easy access to songs you can play at your level....whatever that level is."
- Nico