Search

Trending Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the chorus of “Hoppipolla” by Sigur Rós can be considered as being in the key of B Major, featuring a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords. The progression shows Sigur Rós’ signature atmospheric and emotive style, utilizing various harmonic techniques to create a lush chord progression.

The verse of Taylor Swift’s “ME!” features a chord progression that is archetypal for upbeat pop music, echoing themes of brightness and positivity. This progression harnesses straightforward harmonic movement to support the song’s enthusiastic vibe, making it highly effective for conveying the song’s message of self-love and confidence.

The outro of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin features a simple alternating chord progression between G major and A major, which creates tension by avoiding a resolution to the tonic or dominant chords. This makes the progression sound unstable, yet well defined as it repeats. The recurring ascending motion creates a sense of lift throughout the outro, while the lack of a true resolution maintains a feeling of unease. This progression is notable for its simplicity, as well as how it invokes a modal sound that is characteristic of the mixolydian mode often used in rock music.

The chord progression of the Verse 3 in the song “California Kids” by Weezer features a blend of diatonic and chromatic chords in the key of C major, exhibiting a classic pop-rock feel with some variations in the chord structure. The progression also showcases the use of chromatic bass motion to add harmonic interest.

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.

Artists

Music Theory Alchemy

Archive

Featured Analyses

Music Theory Alchemy

“Yesterday” is predominantly composed in the key of F Major. The song is a classic in pop songwriting and showcases the effective use of borrowed chords to capture a unique, nostalgic sound that has made it one of the most covered songs in pop music. Specifically, in this verse, the use of secondary dominants and borrowed chords from the parallel minor key provides the song’s distinctive tonal color.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Exit Music (For A Film)” by Radiohead is rather unconventional and features several borrowed chords from different modes. It showcases the band’s affinity for using non-diatonic chords and contributes to the song’s somber and haunting atmosphere.

“Creep” by Radiohead is an alternative rock song in the key of G major, with a somewhat melancholic tone. The chord progression used is iconic, and it heavily relies on borrowed chords to create tension and resolution in the harmony. This use of chords creates a distinct sound that has become synonymous with the song.

The chorus of “Perfect Situation” by Weezer features a fairly straightforward chord progression using diatonic chords from the G major scale. The progression is composed primarily of the tonic (I), dominant (V), and submediant (vi) chords, with a focus on their harmonic interplay. This creates a catchy and memorable chorus, which is characteristic of Weezer’s style and is often found in pop and rock music.