Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Get You” by Daniel Caesar is a soulful R&B ballad featuring a smooth and emotive chord progression that is both melancholic and uplifting. The progression is derived from the key of D major, but features a borrowed chord from its parallel minor key, D minor, which adds a unique flair to the song. Daniel Caesar’s vocal performance, accompanied by soulful instrumentation, creates a sense of nostalgia and emotional evocation that is characteristic of the R&B genre.

The chord progression in Daniel Caesar’s “Get You” from Verse 4 features a mixture of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from parallel modes. The progression showcases a smooth, soulful, and somewhat melancholic atmosphere that blends elements of R&B, jazz, and neo-soul.

“Riptide” by Vance Joy is in the key of C major. The chord progression is a repeated sequence of Am, G, C and Fmaj7, with the Fmaj7 being a borrowed chord from the parallel minor, C minor. Given that the majority of the song follows this pattern, it’s simple yet effective, providing a catchy and persistent structure to the song.

“I Am The Walrus” is a composition by The Beatles in which the song varies in key and progressive elements, with fascinating uses of borrowed chords from parallel modes and chromatic bass motion. The melody resides predominantly within a pentatonic framework, frequently rotating around subversions. The Bridge section beautifully showcases Beatles’ experimentation with descending chord progression built around chromatic movement.

The bridge of Beck’s “Think I’m In Love” is an interesting combination of chords, showcasing unusual harmonic choices and unexpected modulations. The tonal center of this progression appears to be ambiguous, as several key centers are explored throughout the progression, creating a sense of harmonic tension and release.

Daniel Caesar – Get You – Bridge

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Em, F#m, Bm, A7, A7, Em, F#m, Bm, A7, A7

Chord Progression Analysis

E minor (i), F# minor (ii), B minor (v), A7 (IV7), A7 (IV7), E minor (i), F# minor (ii), B minor (v), A7 (IV7), A7 (IV7)

“`
Borrowed Chord: F# minor (ii)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” by D’Angelo
Chord progression: C minor (i), D minor (ii), G minor (v), F7 (IV7)

2. “Gravity” by John Mayer
Chord progression: G Major (I), A minor (ii), D Major (IV), C Major (V)

3. “Ordinary People” by John Legend
Chord progression: F Major (I), G minor (ii), A minor (iii), G minor (ii), C Major (V)

Note, the chord progressions mentioned above might exhibit similar techniques or complexity, but might not be in the same key as “Get You” by Daniel Caesar. The harmonies, however, are comparable in terms of their musical style and genre.

Musical Analysis

In the given chord progression, the first chord is E minor (i), which serves as the tonic chord in the progression. It is followed by the borrowed chord F# minor (ii) which adds a smooth, jazzy touch to the progression. This chord is borrowed from the parallel E major key. The progression then moves to B minor (v), deviating from a typical diatonic progression where one might expect B major (V). Finally, the A7 (IV7) chords serve to provide a tension that resolves back to the tonic, E minor.

Throughout the progression, the transition between minor chords and the non-diatonic borrowed chord creates an emotive, soulful atmosphere. The rich harmony is further enhanced by the dominant seventh chords.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of “Get You” by Daniel Caesar is intriguing and rich. The progression has a smooth, soulful sound with interesting uses of borrowed chords that add an alluring complexity to the song.

Style Analysis

The style of “Get You” is highly reminiscent of R&B and Neo-Soul music. The techniques incorporated in the progressions, such as borrowed chords and the use of non-diatonic chords, are common in these genres. The influence of Jazz can also be heard in the harmonic choices and voicings. Daniel Caesar’s style exhibits a modern interpretation of these influences, combining them seamlessly for a fresh, innovative sound.

Chords in the Bridge section of Get You by Daniel Caesar are:

Em, F#m, Bm, A7, A7, Em, F#m, Bm, A7, A7