A Perfect Circle – Gravity – Interlude
Gravity < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘G#m’]
Chord Progression Analysis
“`
C# minor (‘i’),
F# major (‘V’),
C# minor (‘i’),
F# major (‘V’),
C# minor (‘i’),
F# major (‘V’),
C# minor (‘i’),
F# major (‘V’),
G# minor (‘vi’)
“`
In the interlude, the song features a repeated i-V progression before resolving to the vi (G#m) chord, which is not a borrowed chord but still within the C# minor key.
Similar Chord Progressions
One example of a similar chord progression can be found in “Black” by Pearl Jam:
“`
E (‘i’),
A (‘V’),
E (‘i’),
A (‘V’),
E (‘i’),
A (‘V’),
E (‘i’),
A (‘V’),
B (‘vi’)
“`
This also demonstrates a predominant i-V progression, with a resolution to vi. However, the key is E minor as compared to “Gravity”‘s C# minor.
Musical Analysis
This song has an atypical chord progression for rock, mostly cycling between the tonic (i) and dominant (V), not fully resolving until it hits the submediant (vi), which provides a sensation of tension and release. The frequent use of minor chords also adds to the melancholic and atmospheric feel of the song.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
“Gravity” has an alternative rock style, characterized by its moody and atmospheric textures. This is facilitated by the simple, repetitive chord progression which creates a hypnotic effect. The emphasis on minor chords also contributes to a somewhat melancholic and introspective tone, common within alternative rock music.
What are the chords in: A Perfect Circle – Gravity – Interlude?
[‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘G#m’]
