Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Electric Feel” by MGMT is characterized by its repetitive, catchy chord progression and usage of both major and minor chords which create a unique, surreal atmosphere. The song includes elements of psychedelic pop, funk, and electronic music.

The chord progression in MGMT’s “Congratulations” contains a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, which provide a combination of stability and tension throughout the progression. The harmonic rhythm is slow, and the progression is mostly driven by bass line movement and voice leading. The mixture of borrowed chords, inversions, and suspended chords contributes to the overall unique character of the piece.

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is a rock song with folk roots and a melodic pop influence. It uses the alternative rock idiom of harmony, which bestows the song with a sound leaning towards traditional folk and classic pop. The band utilizes common vintage chords mixed with modern progressions to create that identifiable Oasis sound.

The chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “Gone Gone” is a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, making it an interesting and unique progression. It features a combination of major, minor, and an altered seventh chord, adding to the overall complexity of the progression. The style is reminiscent of jazz and R&B, where more complex harmonic structures are often used. Some borrowings from different modes and chromaticism also contribute to its richness and distinct sound.

“Penny Lane,” written by the Beatles, utilizes key changes and borrowed chords to create an interesting and complex tonal palette. The song is best understood to primarily be in the key of A Major; however, it frequently borrows chords from the parallel minor key, uses unexpected dominant chords, and briefly modulates to other key areas for color and variety. This is characteristic of several Beatles songs, and it’s one of the ways they added complexity to their music while still remaining accessible.

MGMT – Electric Feel – Chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F

Chord Progression Analysis

“`

A minor 7 (vi7)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
G major (V)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
A minor 7 (vi7)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
G major (V)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
A minor 7 (vi7)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
G major (V)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
A minor 7 (vi7)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
G major (V)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
“`

The borrowed chord in this progression is “`F major (IV) which comes from the parallel minor key (C minor)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Tame Impala – “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”
Chord progression:
“`
Bbmaj7 (IV7)
Ebmaj7 (IIb7)
Cm7 (vi7)
Gm7 (iii7)
Fm7 (ii7)
“`
2. John Mayer – “Gravity”
Chord progression:
“`
G major (I)
A minor (ii)
B minor (iii)
C major (IV)
D major (V)
F major (♭VII)
“`
3. Daft Punk – “Get Lucky”
Chord progression:
“`
Bm7 (vi7)
D major (I)
F#m7 (iii7)
E major (V)
“`
4. Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
Chord progression:
“`
F#m7 (vi7)
G#m7 (viiø7)
Bm7 (ii7)
E major (V)
“`

Please note that these similar chord progressions might not have the exact same chords or emotions as the chorus of “Electric Feel,” but they share common stylistic or harmonic elements that make them worth exploring.

Musical Analysis

The chorus of “Electric Feel” features a chord progression that starts with a vi7 chord (A minor 7), which is followed by a iii chord (E minor), a borrowed IV chord (F major), and a V chord (G major). This progression is constructed within C major and oscillates between the minor and major tonalities. The E minor – F major – G major segment of the progression creates a sense of tension and lift, while the return to the A minor 7 chord offers a resolution and release, highlighting the groove of the song. The borrowed F major chord adds an interesting chromatic adjustment to the progression, which contributes to the psychedelic aspect of the song.

Overall Analysis

“Electric Feel” by MGMT is a funky and psychedelic pop song with an infectious groove and memorable hooks. The chorus consists of a chord progression that features a variety of diatonic chords along with a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. The progression is based around oscillations between minor and major tonalities, which adds a sense of tension and release. This, combined with the rhythmic syncopation and psychedelic production, contributes to the iconic and unique character of the song.

Style Analysis

The style of “Electric Feel” is a blend of neo-psychedelia, funk, and electropop. The rhythm section prominently features syncopation and funky bass lines that evoke the danceability and percussive drive of funk. The psychedelic influence is apparent in the chord progression, especially with the inclusion of the borrowed F major chord, and the production on the rest of the track, featuring ethereal synths and colorful textures reminiscent of psychedelic music. The electropop elements are showcased through the synth-driven soundscape and infectious hooks.

Chords in the Chorus section of Electric Feel by MGMT are:

Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F