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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Viva la Vida” mostly utilizes a four-chord progression thorough the song which is fairly common in popular music. The verse we are focusing on replicating the verse goes like this: C – D – G – Em. The chord progressions are pretty simple, catchy and give the song an uplifting feel.

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The progression for the song is tuned to a standard E Standard (E A D G B E) and it is in the key of G.

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.

“Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles uses a D Major scale. The song primarily comprises chords built on the tonic or root note (D), which lends a consistent, grounded feel. This reflects the lyrics’ mood—contentment, renewed optimism, and a sense of homecoming with the arrival of the sun.

“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars is in the key of C major. It is a ballad with a piano-led instrumentation, backed by Bruno’s powerful and emotive vocals. The melody and chords are relatively simple, but the lingering tone and the poignant lyrics create an emotionally resonant track. A common feature in this piece, as well as many pop songs in general, is the use of borrowed chords.

Coldplay – Viva La Vida – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

The verse chord progression is as follows:

– C Major (“IV”)
– D Major (“V”)
– G Major (“I”)
– E minor (“vi”)
– C Major (“IV”)
– D Major (“V”)
– G Major (“I”)
– E minor (“vi”)

This progression can be described as a iv-V-I-vi progression, common in many different styles of music.

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Borrowed Chord: None in this progression.
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. In the song “Let It Be” by Beatles, we can find a similar progression in the chorus:
– C Major (“IV”)
– G Major (“I”)
– A minor (“ii”)
– F Major (“V”)

2. The song “Over The Rainbow” by Judy Garland returns to this chord progression fixing on the timeless iv-V-I-vi progression:
– C Major (“I”)
– E minor (“iii”)
– F Major (“IV”)
– D minor (“ii”)

Please note that even though these examples might have same roman numerals progression, the emotion captured by these progressions can be quite different due to the unique incorporation by the composers.

Musical Analysis

In terms of musical analysis, this is a very common and effective progression. It has a comforting, familiar sound due to its extensive use in popular music. The transition from IV to V creates an expectation for resolution which is met when it moves to the I chord, and then it takes a melancholic turn when it falls to vi.

Overall Analysis

“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay is a pop song that sits primarily in the key of G major, featuring four common chords: C Major, D Major, G Major, and E minor. The song’s simplicity lies in the consistent use of these chords, which creates a consistent harmony throughout the song.

Style Analysis

It’s interesting to note Coldplay’s style here. They prefer major chords to give uplifting spiritual feeling, supplemented by minor chord for a measured dose of melancholy and a balanced, contrasting feeling. This manifests their signature sound – ambivalent, anthemic, and emotionally resonant.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Viva La Vida by Coldplay are:

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