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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “The Outsider” by A Perfect Circle frequently uses the chord progression [‘B’, ‘B’, ‘A’, ‘E’] in the key of E major. When viewing the chords through the lens of E major we can identify the chord progression as ii, ii, V, I. Furthermore, It shows some interesting harmonic decisions throughout. Most notably, the band makes use of borrowed chords which are chords taken from the parallel minor (in this case E minor). Here, the borrowed chords include A major and C major.

The song “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles is known for its unique and striking musical features. The chord progression in the interlude, in particular, represents an example of the Beatles’ innovative approach to harmonic structure and tonal movement. This section is essentially a sequence of dominant-seventh chords that each resolve to the note a fifth below, a common harmonic progression known as the circle of fifths. The interlude features a prominent orchestral crescendo and transition that are hallmarks of the Beatles’ experimental approach to the use of orchestral instruments in rock music.

“Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin is a classic rock song that is well-known for its distinctive and mysterious sound. This interlude, in particular, creates a sense of tension and resolution through its simple but effective chord progression. The overall harmonic structure is built on a modal mixture, drawing from both the major and minor modes, which contributes to its unique atmosphere.

The interlude piece from Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” features an eight-chord progression in the key of C major, with prevalent use of Roman numeral notation and borrowed chords from parallel minor scales. This progression is typical in rock and pop music, representing Weezer’s alternative rock style.

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’]