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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “The Outsider” by A Perfect Circle has a main key signature of E major, as indicated by the repeated occurrences of the chords B, A, and E. The overall structure is tonal, using chords common in Western music. Some elements of modality are observable though, with the use of the C chord, which in traditional music theory would be considered a borrowed chord from the parallel E minor scale. A sense of tension and release is created through the use of these non-diatonic chords, which ultimately helps to maintain the listener’s interest.

The interlude of Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” is in the key of G Major, and features a four-chord progression that repeats itself twice (Em-Am-D-G). The sequence follows a vi-ii-V-I progression, which is a very common progression in pop and rock music.

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This is a simple and common chord progression often known as “four chords” used often in pop and rock music. The song is in G Major and the progression has a I-V-vi-IV pattern.

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The given chord progression for the interlude of “Gone Gone” by Tyler, The Creator appears to deviate from common patterns found in popular music. The progression consists of eight unique chords, which could create an interesting and complex sound.

A Perfect Circle – Gravity – Interlude

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Chord Progression

[‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘G#m’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
C# minor (‘i’),
F# major (‘V’),
C# minor (‘i’),
F# major (‘V’),
C# minor (‘i’),
F# major (‘V’),
C# minor (‘i’),
F# major (‘V’),
G# minor (‘vi’)
“`
In the interlude, the song features a repeated i-V progression before resolving to the vi (G#m) chord, which is not a borrowed chord but still within the C# minor key.

Similar Chord Progressions

One example of a similar chord progression can be found in “Black” by Pearl Jam:
“`
E (‘i’),
A (‘V’),
E (‘i’),
A (‘V’),
E (‘i’),
A (‘V’),
E (‘i’),
A (‘V’),
B (‘vi’)
“`
This also demonstrates a predominant i-V progression, with a resolution to vi. However, the key is E minor as compared to “Gravity”‘s C# minor.

Musical Analysis

This song has an atypical chord progression for rock, mostly cycling between the tonic (i) and dominant (V), not fully resolving until it hits the submediant (vi), which provides a sensation of tension and release. The frequent use of minor chords also adds to the melancholic and atmospheric feel of the song.

Overall Analysis

The song “Gravity” by A Perfect Circle is principally in the key signature of C# minor, which is categorically a minor scale. The primary chords used throughout the song are C#m, F#, and G#m, with the addition of E occasionally. The overall chord progression is quite consistent, with alternative lose touch of the conventional nature of chord progressions in pop and rock music.

Style Analysis

“Gravity” has an alternative rock style, characterized by its moody and atmospheric textures. This is facilitated by the simple, repetitive chord progression which creates a hypnotic effect. The emphasis on minor chords also contributes to a somewhat melancholic and introspective tone, common within alternative rock music.

Chords in the Interlude section of Gravity by A Perfect Circle are:

[‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#’, ‘G#m’]