Random Piano Chords

What is this?

This is a minimal, client-side tool designed to help pianists internalize chord shapes through spaced repetition of random chords. The idea is simple: a chord name appears, you play it, and a new one follows after a set interval.

Over time you build the reflex of translating a chord symbol into finger positions without conscious thought. The key features:

• Adjustable time interval so you can start slow and increase the pace as you improve.
• Choose between triads (major, minor, diminished, augmented) or extended chords (7ths, 9ths, sus, add chords).
• Optionally reveal the constituent notes and a piano diagram, so you can self-correct without looking things up.
• Enable inversions to practice root position, 1st, 2nd, 3rd (and 4th) inversions. Each chord is randomly voiced and the bottom note changes accordingly.
• Toggle sound to hear the chord played back using Web Audio synthesis, so you can train your ear alongside your fingers.
• Switch between auto (timed) and manual (next button) modes depending on your pace.

Every chord comes with an explanation of how it is constructed — which intervals from the root, what makes it distinct, and where it is commonly used.

My take: the most effective chord practice is boring and repetitive. Flashcard-style drilling like this works because it forces recall under mild time pressure, which is exactly how you build reliable muscle memory. No gamification, no scores — just you and the chords. Start with triads at 8–10 seconds, hide the notes, and only peek when you're stuck. Once triads feel automatic, move to extended chords.