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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“3 Libras Acoustic Live” by A Perfect Circle revolves around a rock ballad style with an alternative rock genre. It features distinctive chord progressions and some borrowing from outside of the primary key. The harmonic progression in the chorus is relatively simple but contributes to the melancholic and introspective atmosphere of the song.

The progression starts on the suspended II chord of the key, which anticipates resolution either to the tonic (E major) or the supertonic (F# minor). However, it instead moves to the dominant minor (C# minor), suggesting a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (E minor). The D major chord which concludes the progression is a borrowed II from E minor as well.

Patterns in music are fundamental for creating musical identity. This repetition ensures the music is coherent and familiar for the listener. In the case of “Perfect” by Smashing Pumpkins, the song makes use of a common popular music chord progression known as the I – vi progression.

The Outro of “Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead features a striking and emotive chord progression that showcases their innovative approach to harmony. It is characterized by the use of irregular modal interchanges, sustained chords, and slight variations on repeating patterns.

“Island in the Sun” by Weezer is in the key of G major and features a simple yet catchy chord progression in its outro. The progression is characterized by its bright, uplifting sound and follows a common pop/rock formula. It also has a nostalgic, summery feel, making it a perfect fit for the song’s title and theme.

A Perfect Circle – 3 Libras Acoustic Live – Outro

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Chord Progression

[‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘D’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The main progression is a repetition of Asus2 to C#m with a brief modulation to D at the end.

“`
Asus2 (V),
C#m (vii),
D (IV).
“`
Borrowed Chords:

Given the lack of a distinct home key and the oscillation between the A major and C# minor structures, it’s challenging to pinpoint the specific borrowed chords within this progression. However, if we consider A major as the home key, D could be viewed as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (a common technique known as modal mixture or borrowing).

“`
D (borrowed from A minor)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Nirvana – “Come As You Are”: The main riff of this song hangs around a similar oscillating structure to “3 Libras Acoustic Live”. It, too, has a modulation towards the end of the progression:

“`
Em (I),
D (VII),
E (I).
“`

2. Linkin Park – “Numb”: This song uses a similar progression, swapping between major and minor chords, although it adheres more strictly to the key of C minor than “3 Libras Acoustic Live”:

“`
Cm (I),
G# (V),
Bb (bVII),
Fm (iv)
“`

Please note: This analysis assumes that both A major and C# minor are characteristic keys in the piece. The precise nature of modality in popular music can often be ambiguous and is regularly open to interpretation.

Musical Analysis

The song’s chord progression provides a sense of pliancy and uncertainty as it oscillates between the unresolved flavour of the Asus2 and the mournfulness of the C#m, giving the song its unique character and emotive impact. The D chord at the end provides a somewhat unexpected resolution.

Overall Analysis

The song “3 Libras Acoustic Live” by A Perfect Circle oscillates between an A major and a C# minor structure, with a D major introduced at the end of the progression. The dominant chords are A (represented as Asus2) and C# (represented as C#m). The final D chord can be seen as a modulation, adding a somewhat unexpected resolution that doesn’t adhere to the traditional rules of tonic-dominant resolution in either major or minor keys.

Style Analysis

In terms of style, A Perfect Circle has a renowned propensity for complex harmonic structures and experimental progressions, often playing with modality and unexpected resolves. Their music tends to dwell in alternative rock and progressive metal, but also dabbles in art rock and experimental rock.

Chords in the Outro section of 3 Libras Acoustic Live by A Perfect Circle are:

[‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘Asus2’, ‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘D’, ‘D’]