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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The chord progression in Verse 3 of “Congratulations” by MGMT features a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. The song appears to be in G major, and the progression showcases several common techniques such as the use of inversions (G/F#), borrowed chords (Dsus4), and extended chords (Em7).

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is one of the excellent examples of the unique and complex style popular in the late 1960’s. It is in the key of E and further progresses to F# minor. The progression utilizes modal interchange, chromaticism, and unusual chord progressions to create a dreamlike and psychedelic landscape that perfectly suits the lyrical theme of the song.

“My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a 90s alternative rock song featuring a catchy chord progression and memorable melodies. The verse 2 chord progression consists of a repeated set of chords: C, G, Am, F. This progression is common in popular music and creates a sense of familiarity for the listener. The key is C Major.

The song “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails has a dark and moody atmosphere, characterized by the repetitive chord progression that sets the gloomy tone. This prolific use of chords throughout snippets of the song creates a musical portrait of monotony and disillusion which is reflective of the song’s title and lyrics. Looking at the chords provided from the second verse, this mood is accomplished through the consistent use of minor tonalities and alternation between two power chords – E and C.

MGMT – Congratulations – Verse 2

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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 Major (‘I’), G/F# (‘I/7’), E Minor (‘vi’), E Minor 7 (‘vi7’), C Major (‘IV’), C/B (‘IV/7’), A Minor (‘ii’), A Suspended 2 (‘ii sus2’), A Minor (‘ii’), G Major (‘I’), G/F# (‘I/7’), E Minor (‘vi’), E Minor 7 (‘vi7’), C Major (‘IV’), C/B (‘IV/7’), A Minor (‘ii’), A Suspended 2 (‘ii sus2’), A Minor (‘ii’), G Major (‘I’), G/F# (‘I/7’), E Minor (‘vi’), E Minor 7 (‘vi7’), C Major (‘IV’), D Major (‘V’), D Suspended 4 (‘V sus4’)

Borrowed Chords:
`G/F# (‘I/7’)`, `C/B (‘IV/7’)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Chord Progression: Gm9 (‘i9’), F (‘VII’), Eb (‘VI’), Bb (‘III’)
2. The Beatles – “Happiness Is a Warm Gun”
Chord Progression: E Major (‘I’), F# Minor 7 (‘ii7’), A Major (‘IV’), C# Minor (‘vi’), E Major (‘I’), F# Minor 7 (‘ii7’), A Major (‘IV’), C# Minor (‘vi’)
3. Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide”
Chord Progression: E Major (‘I’), B Major (‘V’), A Major (‘IV’), G# Minor (‘iii’), F# Major (‘II’)

While these progressions may not exactly match “Congratulations,” they share similarities in some chord choices and the use of borrowed and inverted chords, contributing to an unconventional and intriguing harmonic sound.

Musical Analysis

The verse starts with the tonic G Major and moves to G/F#, a first inversion with the seventh in the bass. This creates a smooth bass line, moving chromatically from G to F# then to E. The progression continues with E Minor (relative minor) and E Minor 7, giving an overall tonal ambiguity between major and minor.

The next section is a series of diatonic chords: C Major, C/B, A Minor, Asus2, A Minor, with C/B being an inverted IV chord. This part of the progression has a plagal (IV to I) feeling and provides a sense of stability. The verse then repeats, maintaining the same pattern.

In the final part, the chords are G Major, G/F#, E Minor, E Minor 7, C Major, D Major, and D Suspended 4. Here, the progression resolves by moving from the IV chord, C Major, to D Major, the dominant chord (V), and finally to the D Suspended 4, suspending the resolution to build tension.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

“Congratulations” incorporates elements from various styles, including 1960s pop, rock, and psychedelic sounds. The use of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, alongside suspended and seventh chords, helps create a rich harmonic texture that sets the piece apart. The slow harmonic rhythm and unique voice leading provide a distinct and memorable sound.

Chords in the Verse 2 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