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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the outro of “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead utilizes some common and some less common harmonic devices. The piece employs diatonic chords with some added extensions, giving a sense of tension and release. Furthermore, the progression is in the key of A major, which contributes to the overall tonality and harmonic structure.

The chord progression of Verse 1 from Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” features a fairly simple harmony with some unique embellishments. The common use of suspended chords and added extensions give the progression its distinctive atmosphere and modern sound.

“Eleanor Rigby’” is a song by The Beatles, released on their 1966 album “Revolver”. Being unusually somber and profound for a pop song, it showcases The Beatles’ expanding musical palette and their desire to move past the conventional parameters of popular music at the time. The song itself is crafted entirely around the key of E minor, with only occasional diversions to the IV chord (C Major). It strongly exhibits the use of Aeolian mode (commonly known as the ‘natural’ minor) and employs string quartet instrumentation, a unique stylistic pattern at that time.

Elton John’s melody for “Your Song” is an elegant example of varied harmonization and creative chord usage. The verse chord progression is in the key of D Major, but employs the use of borrowed chords and modulation for enhancing musical flavour and interest.

“Glory Box” by Portishead is a Trip Hop masterpiece which blends elements of blues, rock, soul, and electronic music together in an innovative and influential way. The song’s chord progression, as illustrated by the verse, is D minor, D minor with C in the bass (notated as Dm/C), B minor 7 flat 5, and B flat major 7. This particular chord progression gives an overall melancholy and haunting feeling throughout the song and sets the tone for the track.

Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2, A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2

Chord Progression Analysis

A (I) – Asus4 (Isus4) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – E6 (V6) – Dsus2 (IVsus2) – A (I) – Dsus2 (IVsus2) – A (I) – Asus4 (Isus4) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – E6 (V6) – Dsus2 (IVsus2) – A (I) – Dsus2 (IVsus2)

Similar Chord Progressions

While it is difficult to find an exact match to the chord progression in “Fake Plastic Trees,” there are examples of similar harmonic ideas in other songs:

1. Coldplay – “Clocks”: Db (bII) – AbM7/Eb (V/II) – Ebm (iv) – Bbm9 (i) – Fm/Ab (vi/VI) – Eb (IV)

2. U2 – “With or Without You”: D (I) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Bm (vi) – G (IV)

These songs share some similarities with “Fake Plastic Trees,” such as the use of suspended chords and extended chords, but they each have their own unique characteristics that set them apart.

Musical Analysis

The song’s chord progression begins with a simple tonic-dominant pattern (A to Dmaj/F#), but with the addition of suspended and extended chords to enhance the harmonic tension. The Asus4 and Dmaj9/F# chords, for instance, prolong the resolution and create an airy, atmospheric quality. The E6 briefly introduces the V chord, followed by a return to the IV chord with Dsus2. This pattern is repeated, providing a sense of stability and familiarity, while the unresolved tension adds to the song’s emotional intensity.

Overall Analysis

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a melancholic song with an emotional chord progression. The song is in the key of A Major and features a mixture of diatonic chords, suspended chords, and extended chords that create a sense of yearning and tension. The verse is characterized by a cyclical progression that begins and ends on the tonic (A), providing a sense of unresolved tension. This helps to support the song’s themes of artificiality and dissatisfaction.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for their unique blend of alternative rock and electronic music, often incorporating unusual chord progressions and juxtaposing diatonic and non-diatonic chords. Suspended chords, like the Asus4 and Dsus2 used in “Fake Plastic Trees,” are a common feature in their music, creating a sense of unresolved tension and longing. The use of extended chords such as Dmaj9/F# also showcases their interest in experimenting with the harmonic language, adding to the song’s distinct Radiohead sound.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead are:

A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2, A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2