A Perfect Circle – 3 Libras Acoustic Live – Chorus
3 Libras Acoustic Live < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘E’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘E’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘E’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘E’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘F’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The song appears to be in the key of E Minor. The configuration as presented suggests a repeated sequence of E, C, and F chords during the chorus. This can be broken down into the following:
E Major (‘I’)
C Major (‘VI’)
F Major (‘II’)
Notably, the ‘II’ chord (F Major) seems to be a borrowed chord, since in the key of E minor, the ‘II’ chord is typically diminished (F#dim). Borrowed chords are a technique that can add interest and unexpected twists to a composition.
“` Borrowed Chord: F Major (‘II’) “`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead’s “Creep” also uses a similar chord progression (I – III – IV – iv) although with a major key center. It also borrows the ‘iv’ chord from the parallel minor key, again creating an unexpected twist similar to the ‘II’ in “3 Libras.”
Chord progression:
G Major (‘I’) -> B Major (‘III’) -> C Major (‘IV’) -> C minor (‘iv’)
2. The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” also uses a I – VI – II progression in a minor key, similar to “3 Libras Acoustic Live.”
Chord progression:
Am (‘i’) -> F Major(‘VI’) -> D Major(‘II’)
Please note that exact musical phenomena like borrowed chords and their specific effects can differ between songs due to other factors such as melody, rhythm, instrumentation, or lyrics.
Musical Analysis
The borrowed ‘II’ chord creates a surprise in the harmony, as its Major quality isn’t expected within the typical key of E minor. While II-V-I progressions are very common in jazz, in the rock context (such as A Perfect Circle’s music), they are less standard and thus create a distinctive sound. As this progression repeats, it creates a loop of unresolved tension. This contributes to the overall moody and melancholy character of the song.
Overall Analysis
“3 Libras Acoustic Live” by A Perfect Circle revolves around a rock ballad style with an alternative rock genre. It features distinctive chord progressions and some borrowing from outside of the primary key. The harmonic progression in the chorus is relatively simple but contributes to the melancholic and introspective atmosphere of the song.
Style Analysis
The style of “3 Libras Acoustic Live” is distinguished by its heavy melodic emphasis and its unorthodox harmonic choices. The borrowed chord, and the ethereal, brooding aesthetic it helps to produce, is fitting for A Perfect Circle’s alternative rock style. The cyclical progression and repetition also contribute to a sense of introspection and ongoing struggle, consistent with the lyrical themes of loneliness and alienation.
What are the chords in: A Perfect Circle – 3 Libras Acoustic Live – Chorus?
[‘E’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘E’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘E’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘E’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘F’]
