Cadence Architect

Shape a chord progression so its tension climbs and resolves — and traces the target curve exactly.

How to play

You are given a key, a number of slots, and a target tension curve shaped build, climax and resolve. Place a chord in each slot from the available palette so the progression's rising and falling tension matches the curve as closely as you can. Ending on a genuine cadence earns bonus credit.

• Select a slot, then choose a chord to fill it
• Match the overall tension shape to the target curve
• Aim for a strong, authentic-sounding resolution at the end
• Play your progression back to hear how it lands

Controls

• Desktop: click a slot to select it and click a chord to place it; use Left/Right arrows to move between slots
• Phone & tablet: tap slots and chord buttons to build the progression

Game modes

• Daily: one shared curve to solve each day
• Practice: a fresh puzzle on demand
• Difficulty widens the chord palette and the curve's complexity

Tips & strategy

• Start at the climax: place the highest-tension chord where the curve peaks
• Use a clear dominant-to-tonic move to nail the resolution bonus
• Use the hint and playback to test a slot before committing

What you'll learn

Cadence Architect reimagines harmony writing as a tension-curve puzzle, teaching how cadences create release.

• Skills: harmony, cadences, voice-leading, tension and release
• Best for: roughly grades 9–12 (ages 14+)
• For parents & teachers: writing harmony as tension and release.

About Cadence Architect

Cadence Architect is an original, free browser game that reimagines harmony writing as a tension-curve puzzle. It is built in-house and runs straight in your browser.

A free, original browser game on PlayPendium — no download, no install. Browse all games →