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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is in the key of G major and features an effective and memorable chord progression that repeats throughout the song. The progression falls into the indie rock and Britpop genres, highlighting simple, strong harmonies, and incorporates a repeated sequence of Em–G-D–A7sus4 throughout its composition with occasional deviations.

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“Don’t Look Back In Anger” uses simple yet effective chord progressions common in pop/rock music. It incorporates both major and minor chords, showing some classic pop sensibilities. The song is situated in the key of C Major. Embedded within this progression are instances of borrowed chords – the E7 for instance, is a secondary dominant, often used to inject a bit of tension and to give strong resolution leading into the next chord.

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“Eleanor Rigby’” is a song by The Beatles, released on their 1966 album “Revolver”. Being unusually somber and profound for a pop song, it showcases The Beatles’ expanding musical palette and their desire to move past the conventional parameters of popular music at the time. The song itself is crafted entirely around the key of E minor, with only occasional diversions to the IV chord (C Major). It strongly exhibits the use of Aeolian mode (commonly known as the ‘natural’ minor) and employs string quartet instrumentation, a unique stylistic pattern at that time.

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The given chord progression is from the verse of Beck’s song “Morning.” The progression is in the key of E Major and follows a cyclical pattern throughout the verse.

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The song “It’s A Fire” by Portishead features complex harmonic structures, distinguished by a fusion of pop, rock, and elements of jazz harmonies. The band, known for their trip-hop style, employ chromatically richer harmony and non-diatonic chord progressions in this piece. The chord progression of ‘It’s A Fire’ is consistent with this approach as we see the frequent use of suspended and minor chords alongside major ones, which creates a sense of unresolved tension. Borrowed chords, usually taken from the parallel minor or major key, are also used frequently to add stylistic color to the harmony.

Oasis – Wonderwall – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘A7sus4’]

Chord Progression Analysis

This is the chord progression for the verse:
“`
Em (vi),
G (I),
D (V),
A7sus4 (V7sus4),
Em (vi),
G (I),
D (V),
A7sus4 (V7sus4),
Em (vi),
G (I),
D (V),
A7sus4 (V7sus4),
C (IV),
D (V),
A7sus4 (V7sus4),
A7sus4 (V7sus4)
“`
This progression uses the common I-V-vi-IV sequence, which is found in numerous pop songs (Oasis uses different permutations of this progression).

“`The A7sus4 chord is technically a borrowed chord, as it incorporates the note D, which is not part of the G major scale.“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
“`
C (IV),
G (I),
Am (ii),
F (IV),
C (IV),
G (I),
F (VI),
C (IV)
“`

2. “No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley:
“`
C (IV),
G (I),
Am (ii),
F (VI),
C (IV),
F (VI),
C (IV),
G(I)
“`

3. “High and Dry” by Radiohead: OK Computer
“`
Am (ii),
E (V/vi),
Am (ii),
E (V/vi)
“`

These songs also display the common/popular I-V-vi-IV chord progression, or a variation of it, similar to “Wonderwall.”

Musical Analysis

The verse of “Wonderwall” has a distinctly repetitive progression that makes it catchy and memorable – important elements for a mainstream pop rock song. The progression lends the song a sense of narrative progression, which is common in mainstream pop, rock, and folk music. The A7sus4 chord introduces tension that pulls towards a resolution, emphasizing the song’s emotive quality.

Overall Analysis

“Wonderwall” is a song by Oasis, a British rock band. The song showcases the blend of rock and Britpop style. The chord progression in the verse reflects a strong pop feeling, primarily residing in the key of G major.

Style Analysis

Oasis’ “Wonderwall” matches their typical sonic offering; a blend of guitar-driven rock and Britpop. The repetitive chord progression underpinning the melody provides a strong, catchy rhythm that drives the song forward, keeping the listener engaged. This reflects the band’s ethos of simplicity in structure with high emotive payoff.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Wonderwall by Oasis are:

[‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘A7sus4’, ‘A7sus4’]