Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Lord Only Knows” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective chord progression in its Verse 2. The harmonic foundation of this progression is based on the I – V – IV – I pattern, repeated four times. This pattern is common in many popular music genres, with the verse featuring a strong tonic-dominant relationship. The progression also displays an interesting mix of major and minor chords, adding a certain level of spice to the harmonic atmosphere present in the verse.

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck, from the album Morning Phase (2014), features a simple but effective chord progression in the key of C major. This song can be classified as alternative folk rock, and the harmonies used in the chord progression are quite common in this genre, as well as popular music in general. The progression creates a sense of nostalgia and emotional resonance, elevated by Beck’s lyricism and vocal delivery.

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock piece characterized by its reflective lyrics, syncopated rhythms, and distinctive use of chromaticism and modality. This chord progression takes place in the third verse of the song, where the harmonic structure is more complex and features borrowed chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, reflecting the lyrics and conveying emotions of nostalgia and regret.

The chord progression of the given segment from Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” reflects the band’s signature blend of rock, electronic, and classical music. The progression is in the key of F# minor and features some chromaticism and modal mixture, which is quite common in their style of music. The harmonic rhythm is mostly consistent, and the chords utilized provide a strong sense of direction and resolution throughout the verse.

“The Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic example of the blending of blues, rock, and pop elements that characterizes Hendrix’s unique style. The chord progression in Verse 3 demonstrates Hendrix’s use of non-diatonic chords and chromatic harmony, while maintaining a strong sense of tonality and harmonic progression. The unconventional chord progression and the expressive guitar work contribute to the song’s lasting appeal.

Beck – Lord Only Knows – Verse 3

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

B, D, A, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E, B, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E

Chord Progression Analysis

B Major (I), D Major (bIII), A Major (V), F# Major (IV), E Major (II), B Major (I), D Major (bIII), A Major (V), F# Major (IV), E Major (II), B Major (I), F# Major (IV), E Major (II), B Major (I), D Major (bIII), A Major (V), F# Major (IV), E Major (II)

Borrowed Chords:
“`
D Major (bIII)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Girl from the North Country” by Bob Dylan
Chord progression: D Major (I), G Major (IV), A Major (V), Bb Major (bIII), G Major (IV), D Major (I)

2. “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
Chord progression: F Major (I), G Major (V), Ab Major (bIII), F Major (I), G Major (V), Ab Major (bIII), F Major (I), G Major (II), F Major (I), Bb Major (IV)

3. “The Weight” by The Band
Chord progression: G Major (I), Bb Major (bIII), F Major (VII), G Major (I), Bb Major (bIII), F Major (VII)

Note that these songs may not share the exact same chord progression as “Lord Only Knows” but they do have similarities, including the use of the borrowed bIII chord.

Musical Analysis

In this chord progression, the song starts in the key of B Major. The progression moves between the tonic (I), subdominant (IV), and dominant (V) chords, which are typical in tonal music. The interesting twist in this progression is the presence of the borrowed bIII chord (D Major).

The bIII chord (D Major) is borrowed from the parallel minor (B minor) and creates a feeling of tension and contrast to the tonal center of B Major. This tension-release dynamic adds depth and intrigue to the chord progression, giving it a sense of movement and unpredictability.

Overall Analysis

“Lord Only Knows” by Beck is a blend of folk and country with a touch of alternative rock. The song features an interesting chord progression, especially in Verse 3, which includes a mixture of major and minor chords as well as a few borrowed chords.

Style Analysis

“Lord Only Knows” combines elements of folk, country, and alternative rock in its chord progression and arrangement. The use of the borrowed bIII chord in Verse 3 is reminiscent of the harmonic language found in folk and country music, while the slightly unconventional structure and the blend of major and minor chords lend a nod to the alternative rock genre.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Lord Only Knows by Beck are:

B, D, A, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E, B, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E