Taylor Swift – Guilty as Sin? – Chorus
Guilty as Sin? < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, A, Dmaj7, Gmaj7, A, Bm7
Chord Progression Analysis
The chord progression in the chorus of “Guilty as Sin?” operates primarily in the key of D major and uses the following chords:
“`
D Major 7 (Imaj7),
A Major (V),
G Major 7 (IVmaj7),
B Minor 7 (vim7),
“`
This sequence maintains diatonic integrity, with all chords derived from the native scale of D major, showcasing no borrowed chords.
Similar Chord Progressions
Progressions that mix major, major seventh, and minor chords are common in songs that aim to evoke a rich emotional palette. Here are examples from other artists:
Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely”
Progression:
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A Major (V),
D Major 7 (Imaj7),
E Minor 7 (iim7)
“`
Corinne Bailey Rae – “Put Your Records On”
Progression:
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A Major (IV),
E Major (I),
F#m7 (vim7)
“`
John Mayer – “Gravity”
Progression:
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G Major (IV),
C Major 7 (I),
A Minor 7 (vi)
“`
These examples illustrate how similar chord structures are used to underpin lyrical narratives in diverse genres, highlighting their versatility and emotional impact. Taylor Swift’s usage in “Guilty as Sin?” employs this tradition within her unique stylistic narrative, presenting a mature and emotionally engaging sound.
Musical Analysis
The musical setting in the chorus uses the lush sound of major seventh chords (Dmaj7 and Gmaj7) to create a smooth, flowing harmonic texture. The major seventh chords offer a depth of sound that complements the more straightforward major chords (A Major). The interplay between these chords enhances the chorus’s melodic richness, allowing for a vivid emotional expression that mirrors the thematic content of sin and guilt.
The inclusion of the B Minor 7 at the end adds a slightly somber tone to the cycle, giving the progression a reflective quality and subtly shifting the mood before looping back to the beginning of the progression or moving to another section.
Overall Analysis
The chorus of Taylor Swift’s “Guilty as Sin?” showcases a rich and dynamic chord progression that reflects the song’s emotional intensity and narrative depth. This progression, with its interplay of major, major seventh, and minor chords, provides a musical canvas that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics, indicative of Swift’s sophisticated songwriting approach.
Style Analysis
In “Guilty as Sin?”, Taylor Swift explores a style that blends elements of pop with the sophisticated harmonic textures often found in jazz and soul music. This blend is particularly effective for conveying complex emotions and enhancing the narrative storytelling in her lyrics. The choice of major seventh chords imbues the chorus with a polished, refined sound that aligns with contemporary pop while offering an emotional depth that is characteristically Swiftian.
What are the chords in: Taylor Swift – Guilty as Sin? – Chorus?
Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, A, Dmaj7, Gmaj7, A, Bm7
