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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the chorus of “Exit Music (For A Film)” by Radiohead is rather unconventional and features several borrowed chords from different modes. It showcases the band’s affinity for using non-diatonic chords and contributes to the song’s somber and haunting atmosphere.

Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is an alternative rock ballad from their 1995 album, “The Bends.” The moody and atmospheric track is characterized by its emotive vocal delivery, contrasting dynamics, rich arrangement, and engaging chord progression. This progression, in particular, features an interesting mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords that create a sense of tension and resolution throughout the piece.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” showcases a unique blend of chords that are not commonly heard together in popular music. The mix of major, minor, and borrowed chords creates an interesting and engaging sound. Its distinctive quality can be found in the use of the A# major chord, which is not diatonic to the key of G major.

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“Im Still Standing” by Elton John is a classic rock/pop song composed in E Major. You can see that this is a complex composition with frequent chord changes, giving it a rich musical texture. The chord progression is not diatonic, which means that it includes chords from outside of its home key of E Major.

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The song “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine utilizes fairly simple, yet effective, chord changes that are quite common in popular music. This progression primarily takes place in the key of G major, but borrows chords from the parallel minor scale and adds extensions to the chords to add depth and color.

Radiohead – Exit Music For A Film – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

Am, E, C/G, Dadd9/F#, Am, E, Asus4, A

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
A minor (i),
E major (V),
C major / G (VI/G),
Dadd9 / F# (IVadd9/F#),
A minor (i),
E major (V),
Asus4 (i sus4),
A major (I)
“`

Borrowed chords:
“`
C major / G (VI/G) and Dadd9 / F# (IVadd9/F#)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Pink Floyd – “Breathe” Chord progression:
“`
Em9 (ii9),
A7sus4 (IV7 sus4),
A7 (IV7),
Dmaj7 (VII maj7),
Fmaj7#11 (III maj7 #11)
“`

2. Coldplay – “Clocks” Chord progression:
“`
Ebmaj7 (III maj7),
Bbm/Bb (iii),
Fm/Bb (vi11),
Gm/C (vii7/C)
“`

These chord progressions are examples of other artists incorporating non-diatonic and creative harmonic structures in their compositions, similar to Radiohead’s “Exit Music (For a Film).”

Musical Analysis

The chord progression includes tension-creating elements, such as the non-diatonic Dadd9/F# (over the F# bass note), which can be seen as a borrowed chord from the parallel major (A major) and the VI chord in first inversion (C/G). Another point of interest is the E major chord which appears twice and works as a dominant chord to lead back to A minor and A major at different points. The progression also features a brief moment of suspension with Asus4, resolving to A major. These elements give the chord progression a sense of disorientation, moodiness, and emotional depth.

Overall Analysis

“Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead features a unique and somewhat complex chord progression, particularly in the second verse. The song can be viewed as being in A minor, with various borrowed chords and non-diatonic chords. The chord progression reflects Radiohead’s experimental and innovative approach to harmony and songwriting.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for their innovative and unconventional approach to songwriting and harmony. “Exit Music (For a Film)” exemplifies this style by incorporating non-diatonic and borrowed chords, creating an unsettling and emotional atmosphere. This type of chord progression is characteristic of alternative and art rock styles, where traditional musical boundaries are often pushed.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Exit Music For A Film by Radiohead are:

Am, E, C/G, Dadd9/F#, Am, E, Asus4, A