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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“Time To Pretend” features a simple and repetitive chord progression in the key of D major. The chord progression in the verse is characterized by a repeated pattern of D – G – D – Dsus2. The style of the song can be described as psychedelic synth-pop, with its electronic synth sounds and dream-like atmosphere. MGMT’s music often features catchy melodies and harmonies, which can also be heard in this song.

The song “3s and 7s” by Queens of the Stone Age is in the key of A# minor. The chord progression predominantly features three chords: A#m, G#, and F. The progression utilizes elements of rock and metal music, characteristic of the band’s style. The composition has a darker feel brought by the use of minor chords and dropped tuning, which is frequently employed in harder styles of rock music.

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“Paint It, Black” by The Rolling Stones is arranged in a minor key, specifically E minor. The verse chord progression of the song exhibits a fairly common pattern in 60’s rock and pop music, incorporating the use of both diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

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“Stairway to Heaven” is a progressive rock song by Led Zeppelin, released in 1971. The song showcases a movement between different styles and musical settings, as it starts with a gentle, fingerpicked acoustic section and gradually evolves into a powerful and climactic electric guitar solo, finishing with a full-band finale. The song is characterized by its ascending progression and intricate chord changes, which contribute to its unique and haunting atmosphere. The verse 1 chord progression features a blend of diatonic and chromatic elements, borrowed chords, and inversions, which create a sense of tension and resolution throughout the progression.

MGMT – Congratulations – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, D, Dsus4

Chord Progression Analysis

G (I) – G/F# (I/ii) – Em (vi) – Em7 (vi7) – C (IV) – C/B (IV/vi) – Am (ii) – Asus2 (ii2)
Am (ii) – G (I) – G/F# (I/ii) – Em (vi) – Em7 (vi7) – C (IV) – C/B (IV/vi) – Am (ii) – Asus2 (ii2)
Am (ii) – G (I) – G/F# (I/ii) – Em (vi) – Em7 (vi7) – C (IV) – D (V) – Dsus4 (Vsus4)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Norwegian Wood”
[‘D’, ‘Dmaj7’, ‘Dsus2’, ‘Dmaj7’]

2. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
[‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘Bm’]

3. Pink Floyd – “Breathe”
[‘Em9’, ‘A’, ‘Am7’, ‘G6’, ‘Dsus2/F#’, ‘Em9’, ‘A’]

These chord progressions contain similar elements found in “Congratulations,” such as diatonic chord movements, smooth voice leading through inversions, use of suspensions, and occasional moments of modal interchange.

Musical Analysis

The verse begins with a standard I – vi progression (G – Em), followed by a IV – ii (C – Am) progression, which is a common pop and classical progression. The chords with the inverted bass notes, G/F# and C/B, provide smooth voice leading and a descending bass line. The use of the Em7 and Asus2 chords provides additional tension and color. The Vsus4 (Dsus4) at the end of the progression creates tension that is resolved in the next section or repeats of the verse.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the verse of “Congratulations” by MGMT is an interesting blend of conventional pop and classical harmonies with some use of borrowed chords. The progression features mostly diatonic chords in the key of G major, but there are moments of modal interchange and suspensions that add color and tension to the progression.

Style Analysis

“Congratulations” features a neo-psychedelic sound, which can be heard in the mix of conventional pop harmonies with unexpected chords and suspensions. The modal interchange elements and the way that the chords are voiced give the song a vintage, nostalgic quality, reminiscent of 1960s and 1970s psychedelic rock and pop.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Congratulations by MGMT are:

G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, D, Dsus4