What scale fits my chords?

Type your chords or pull them from your song sketch. You'll see the key, the scales that fit best, and every note on the fretboard.

Quick answer

Over a progression like Am G F G, play A natural minor or A minor pentatonic. In general, find the key (usually the first or last chord), then use that key's major or minor scale, or its pentatonic for a safer, simpler sound.

Or try an example
Scales that fit, best first

Filled notes are the root. Tap a chord above to shade its notes on the neck. Tap any note to hear it.

How to pick a scale for a chord progression

  1. Find home. The first chord, or a last chord the progression resolves to, is usually the key. The scale finder weighs both.
  2. Start with that key's pentatonic. Five notes, almost no clashes, and the sound of most guitar solos.
  3. Add color with the full scale or a mode. The two extra notes add tension and character. Modes like Dorian and Mixolydian fit when a progression leans on a chord other than the I.
  4. Aim for chord tones. Landing on a note of the chord that's playing always sounds intentional. Tap a chord to see its notes shaded on the fretboard.

Common progressions and the scales that fit

Quick reference
ProgressionKeyScales to try
G D Em CG majorG major, G major pentatonic, E minor pentatonic
Am G F GA minorA natural minor, A minor pentatonic
A7 D7 E7A (blues)A blues, A minor pentatonic, A Mixolydian
Dm7 G7 Cmaj7C majorC major, D Dorian over the Dm7
E D A EE MixolydianE Mixolydian, E major pentatonic

Keep going

Build a progression on the circle of fifths, borrow one from the progression library, or look up any key's chords and scales on the key pages.

Common questions

How does the scale finder decide which scale fits?
It checks every scale on all 12 roots against the notes of your chords, giving extra weight to roots and to the first chord (and the last chord when it resolves). Scales that contain more of your chord tones rank higher. A clash note is shown when a scale leaves out part of a chord.
What scale should I play over a blues?
Over a blues in A (A7 D7 E7), the A minor pentatonic and A blues scales are the classic choice. A Mixolydian fits the dominant seventh chords exactly, and the A major pentatonic gives a sweeter, country flavor.
Why does it suggest modes like Dorian or Mixolydian?
Modes are the major scale started from a different note. If your progression centers on a chord other than the key's I, a mode can describe it better. Dm7 to G7 vamps are Dorian; A to G to D is Mixolydian.
What is the safest scale for beginners?
The pentatonic scale of the key: major pentatonic for major keys, minor pentatonic for minor keys. It has only five notes and leaves out the two most likely to clash.
Can I hear the scale?
Yes. Press Hear the scale, or tap any note on the fretboard to hear it.

Last updated November 14, 2026.