Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

**

‘Set Fire to the Rain’ is written in the key of D minor. The main course of progression uses the chords of Dm, B-flat Major, F Major and C Major. This is a 6-4-1-5 progression, which is very popular and is used in a lot of pop music.

What makes this progression interesting is that Adele uses the 2nd inversion of the A minor chord, Am/B, and G/A, which gives it a unique timbre. `Am/B` is the 2nd inversion of the `Am` chord and `G/A` is the 2nd inversion of the `G` chord.

**

**

The song, ‘Across the Universe’ by The Beatles is uniquely complex in its melody and chord progression. The song modulates or shifts key but is rooted mainly in D major. The song utilizes the standard rock/pop song structure of Verse, Chorus, and Outro. The unusual facet of this song’s composition is the use of borrowed chords (non-diatonic chords) that add unexpected twists to an otherwise typical chord progression.

**

The song “3 Libras Acoustic Live” by A Perfect Circle oscillates between an A major and a C# minor structure, with a D major introduced at the end of the progression. The dominant chords are A (represented as Asus2) and C# (represented as C#m). The final D chord can be seen as a modulation, adding a somewhat unexpected resolution that doesn’t adhere to the traditional rules of tonic-dominant resolution in either major or minor keys.

The song “Something” by The Beatles has a key center in C major. However, it modulates from time to time using a variety of techniques including secondary dominance and borrowed chords. It is a fine example of George Harrison’s complex songwriting and his adroitness at seamlessly weaving together uncommon chord progressions. Harrison employs an array of chords to inject a rich, nuanced musical quality to the song.

Adele – Set Fire To The Rain – Outro

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘F’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here is the chord progression in the Outro:

– A minor (I)
– G major (VII)
– D minor (IV)
– A minor (I)
– G major (VII)
– A minor (I)
– G major (VII)
– D minor (IV)
– F major (VI)
– G major (VII)

The G Major (VII) chord is a borrowed chord from the parallel major (A Major), interesting that this chord is commonly found in pop music. Here’s code block for the borrowed chord:

“`
G Major (‘VII’)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

The Avril Lavigne song “When You’re Gone” follows a similar pattern:
– C major (I)
– G major (V)
– A minor (VI)
– F major (IV)

This progression structure of I-V-VI-IV shares similarities with the I-VII-IV-I-VII in ‘Set Fire to the Rain,’ with a major to minor chord shift emphasizing a melancholic tone.

John Legend’s “All of Me” is another example of similar progression:
– F major (I)
– G major (VII)
– A minor (III)
– G major (VII)

Again, the VII chord is typical for pop music and is borrowed from the parallel major, as with ‘Set Fire to the Rain.’ The arrangement is a bit different, but the overall mood conveys a similar emotional charge.

Musical Analysis

The Outro begins with an A minor chord, providing a moody, minor tonality. This begins a descending progression, where the chord roots decrease in pitch. The use of repetitions of ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘Am’, ‘G’ serve to emphasize the somber and solemn tone of the song.

‘Set Fire To The Rain’ is known for its intense climax, and the D minor to F major shift signals the beginning of this climax. D minor and F major share two common tones (D and A), making this transition smooth but poignant. The progression from ‘Dm’, ‘F’, ‘G’ forms a common IV-VI-VII progression, which creates a sense of motion and tension, building up to the song’s dramatic conclusion.

Overall Analysis

“Set Fire To The Rain” is a song that largely follows the conventions of pop music, with its simple and repetitive chord progressions echoing those in many similar genres. The chord progression observed in the Outro is primarily a combination of minor and major chords that provide a melancholic and intense undertone to the song’s overall theme. The song is in the key of A minor and the chord progression in the Outro starts on the key’s root chord (‘Am’).

Style Analysis

The chord progression itself tends to lend ‘Set Fire To The Rain’ its signature expressively mournful and emotionally charged style. Adele’s songs are typically characterized by rich, expressive melodies over relatively simple but effective chord progressions. The chord choice fits with her soulful pop style, and the progression is in keeping with typical pop/rock and soul harmony.

Chords in the Outro section of Set Fire To The Rain by Adele are:

[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘F’, ‘G’]