Music Theory Alchemy

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The progression from B to A to E is a common progression in pop and rock music. This progression utilizes diatonic and non-diatonic chords, meaning that the chords all belong to the same key and it suggests the use of borrowed chords. A Perfect Circle tends to use a lot of downward motion in their chord progressions, moving from higher to lower pitches, which can give their music a distinct ‘heavy’ feel.

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.

The song “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock tune that is characterized by its simple yet effective chord progressions. The key of this song is D Major. This song utilizes mostly major chords (D, A, and G), and it has a strong emphasis on the I-IV-V chord progression, a staple in many rock, blues, and pop music.

“I Sat By The Ocean” by Queens of the Stone Age is in the key of E major and utilizes a mix of diatonic chords (i.e., chords native to the key of E major) and borrowed chords (i.e., chords borrowed from parallel or related keys).

Pre-Chorus

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994, is a well-known song distinguished by its catchy synth lines, explosive percussion, and provocative lyricism. Hinged on a distinct, repeating synth bassline, the song employs a fundamental chord progression epitomizing the alternative rock and industrial genres. Its tonal centre revolves around the key of C# minor.

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

“`
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)
“`

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’]