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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 song “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay is in the key of G major and follows a fairly simple chord progression in the pop/rock genre. This progression particularly makes use of the I, IV, V, and vi chords in this key, which is a typical pop progression.

The song “Gravity” by A Perfect Circle is principally in the key signature of C# minor, which is categorically a minor scale. The primary chords used throughout the song are C#m, F#, and G#m, with the addition of E occasionally. The overall chord progression is quite consistent, with alternative lose touch of the conventional nature of chord progressions in pop and rock music.

The chord progression in the interlude of “Are We Still Friends?” by Tyler, The Creator is a simple yet effective progression that moves from the tonic chord to a dominant seventh, followed by a subdominant chord, and finally a minor subdominant chord. The progression creates an interesting shift in tonality that is common in jazz and soul music, which are styles that Tyler is known to incorporate into his work.

The given chord progression for the interlude of “Gone Gone” by Tyler, The Creator appears to deviate from common patterns found in popular music. The progression consists of eight unique chords, which could create an interesting and complex sound.

Coldplay – Viva La Vida – Interlude

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

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

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Similar Chord Progressions

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A similar progression can be heard in songs like “Let It Be” by The Beatles, “No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley, and “With Or Without You” by U2.

**Let It Be – The Beatles**

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– C Major (‘IV)
– G Major (‘I)
– A minor (‘vi)
– F Major (‘IV)
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**No Woman, No Cry – Bob Marley**

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– C Major (‘IV)
– G Major (‘I)
– A minor (‘vi)
– F Major (‘IV)
“`

**With Or Without You – U2**

“`
– D Major (‘V)
– A Major (‘I)
– B minor (‘vi)
– G Major (‘IV)
“`

Musical Analysis

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The chord progression used by Coldplay in Viva La Vida is quite common in many pop songs. It gives the song a strong, anthemic feel, which fits well with the lyrics and theme of the song. It is one of the most popular chord progressions in all of Western music because it is catchy and can easily lead to a strong melody. The IV-V-I-vi is a chord progression that is known to be balanced and cohesive, which helps aid in making songs like Viva La Vida sound euphonic.

The inclusion of the minor vi chord (Em) provides a momentary shift to a more minor, melancholic sound before returning to the major chords – again aligning with the mixed emotions reflected in the song.

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Overall Analysis

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This is a simple and common chord progression often known as “four chords” used often in pop and rock music. The song is in G Major and the progression has a I-V-vi-IV pattern.

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Style Analysis

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Coldplay, particularly in Viva La Vida, are known for their anthemic pop style, which is distinctly demonstrated by these four chords. The progression is simple, but when paired with the compelling melodic ideas of the band, it provides a strong emotional resonance. The simplicity of the progression allows for other elements in the music (like lyrics, rhythm, and melody) to take centre stage.

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

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