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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 “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.

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Vance Joy’s “Riptide” is a folk-pop song that presents a unique coupling of simplicity and depth on the musical landscape. The chord progression, in particular the pre-chorus, is relatively straightforward, but it introduces a flavor of complexity thanks to the inclusion of the borrowed chord. The song operates primarily within the key of C major, and maintains a predominantly folk-like, easy listening aesthetic throughout. Its chord progression, while simple, is nonetheless powerful in conveying the song’s desired emotional ambiance.

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The song seems to have a psychedelic pop/rock vibe reminiscing of the late ’60s and ’70s. The use of major seventh chords and repeated shifting between E Major and D Major hints at a sense of yearning and nostalgia, something that is commonly found in Tame Impala’s music.

This pre-chorus from Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” features an eight-chord progression in the key of A major. It includes a borrowed chord (Dm) from the parallel minor key (A minor). The harmonic movement consists of alternating D major and C# minor chords, followed by F# minor chords, before returning to the D major root and finally resolving with the borrowed Dm chord. This progression contributes to the energetic, catchy, and upbeat style of the song.

A Perfect Circle – The Outsider – Pre-chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘B’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘B’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘B’, ‘A’, ‘E’]

Chord Progression Analysis

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B Major (V), A Major (IV), E Major (I), C Major (bVI), C Major (bVI), B Major (V), A Major (IV), E Major (I), E Major (I), C Major (bVI), B Major (V), A Major (IV), E Major (I)
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Similar Chord Progressions

– “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix: C Major (I), G Major (V), D Major (II), A Major (VI), E Major (III)
– “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers: E Major (I), B Major (V), C# minor (vi), G# minor (iii), A Major (IV)
– “Baba O’Riley” by The Who: F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII), Eb Major (bIII), C Major (II)

Participants must note that the numeral designation in these progressions correspond to their own respective keys; they aren’t in direct align to the chords notated for “The Outsider” above.

Musical Analysis

This progression serves to prolong the tonal center (E Major), which is at the heart of the main harmonic function of the song. The interplay between the B Major (V), A Major (IV), and E Major (I) chords creates a strong tonal anchor. The use of the major scale borrowed chord, C Major (bVI), provides an unexpected color to the harmony, delivering a sense of mystery and tension. Furthermore, the progression features a clear cadence, with the return to the E Major chord providing closure and resolution.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

A Perfect Circle’s style is often described as alternative rock or progressive rock, and it’s common within these genres to include scale borrowings, such as the bVI chord in this case, to add variety and interest to conventional diatonic harmonies. Furthermore, the use of repeated chords adds a sense of insistence and drive, characteristic of hard rock styles.

Chords in the Pre-chorus section of The Outsider by A Perfect Circle are:

[‘B’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘B’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘E’, ‘C’, ‘B’, ‘A’, ‘E’]