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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the chorus of “Sexx Laws” by Beck is a non-diatonic chord progression that features chromatic and unexpected chords. The progression seems to be based in the key of E major, but the chords used are not strictly within the E major scale, providing a distinctive sound and style characteristic of Beck’s music. The progression contains some parallel major chords, giving it a distinct classic rock vibe.

The chord progression of “Say Goodbye” by Beck uses a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords within the key of G major. The verse features a total of 8 chords: G major, A# major, A minor, and C major. The use of a borrowed chord (A# major) adds an interesting twist to the progression and provides a unique color to the harmony.

The Beatles’ “Rocky Raccoon” incorporates a repeating sequence of predominantly seventh chords, displaying a mix of minor, dominant, and sustained chords within the and C Major/A minor keys. This diversity contributes to the song’s unique harmony, and given its context in a folk rock style, the progression exudes a rustic, storytelling personality.

“Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” by Elton John employs interesting chord progressions and borrows chords from other modes and keys, contributing to its melancholy, yet dynamically expressive mood. The song is set in E minor and uses basic chord progressions, some more sophisticated ones, and many borrowed chords.

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is in the key of G major and features an effective and memorable chord progression that repeats throughout the song. The progression falls into the indie rock and Britpop genres, highlighting simple, strong harmonies, and incorporates a repeated sequence of Em–G-D–A7sus4 throughout its composition with occasional deviations.

Beck – Sexx Laws – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#

Chord Progression Analysis

B Major (I), G# Major (VI+), B Major (I), G# Major (VI+), B Major (I), G# Major (VI+), A Major (VII), F# Major (V)

`G# Major (VI+)` is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key.

Similar Chord Progressions

– Radiohead – “No Surprises”: [‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘C’]
F Major (I), A Minor (III), E Major (V+/IV), F Major (I), A Minor (III), E Major (V+/IV), F Major (I), C Major (V)

– The Beatles – “Blackbird”: [‘G’, ‘A’, ‘C#m’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘C#m’, ‘B’, ‘G’]
G Major (I), A Major (II), C# Minor (iv), G Major (I), A Major (II), C# Minor (iv), B Major (III), G Major (I)

Both of these examples feature borrowed chords and utilize chromatic mediants to create tension in their chord progressions, similar to “Sexx Laws” by Beck. They show how artists from various musical styles and eras have employed these techniques to create unique and engaging harmonic movement in their songs.

Musical Analysis

The verse 3 chord progression starts with the tonic B Major, establishing a strong sense of tonality. The progression then moves to G# Major, a chromatic mediant relationship. This borrowed chord from the parallel minor key adds a sense of surprise and tension. The pattern repeats twice, further accentuating the tension.

The progression then moves to A Major, the subtonic, which is commonly found in modal interchange as well as rock and pop music, creating a sense of movement towards the dominant. The verse finally resolves to the dominant, F# Major, creating a sense of resolution and anticipation for the next section of the song.

Overall Analysis

“Sexx Laws” by Beck is a unique and interesting piece that combines elements of various musical styles including funk, rock, and pop. The chord progression found in Verse 3 is quite simple yet effective, creating a sense of tension and release.

Style Analysis

The use of borrowed chords is a common feature in Beck’s music, which often experiments with various musical styles and techniques. The presence of the chromatic mediant relationship in the progression adds a touch of unpredictability commonly found in Beck’s style. The song comfortably combines elements of rock, pop, and funk, with a particular emphasis on the funky groove that drives its momentum.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Sexx Laws by Beck are:

B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#