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The chord progression of the chorus in Beck’s “Girl Acoustic” is relatively simple and straightforward, yet effective in creating a memorable and catchy tune. The song is in the key of A major, and the progression maintains a predominantly diatonic harmony.

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck is primarily a folk and indie rock song that features an interesting harmonic structure in the Hook 2. The progression adds complexity and emotional depth to the song by diverging from the standard conventions of Western popular music. The chord progression includes a borrowed chord, which adds richness to the overall sound.

“Heartbreaker” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock song that utilizes a chord progression that is stereotypical of the genre. The verse and chorus unfold in the key of E minor, with the verse using primarily a cycle of Em7 and Am7. In terms of musical mood and expressivity, the progression conveys a melancholic yet energetic feeling, which is characteristic of the rock genre.

The song, “As Tears Go By” by The Rolling Stones, is primarily in the key of G major. Its chord progression contains elements of classic pop songwriting, particularly from the 1960s, featuring major and minor chords, functional harmony, and a few borrowed chords. The verse has a repeating chord sequence that eventually concludes with a resolution to the tonic chord.

This chord progression from the verse of Tame Impala’s “Alter Ego” suggests a key of C major due to the recurring instances of Cmaj7. However, the presence of certain chords like Bm7 and Dm suggests that Kevin Parker is creatively “borrowing” chords from the parallel and associated keys (C minor, D minor) to create colorful departures from the primary tonality. The use of extended chords (7ths) and suspended chords (Bsus4) adds a sense of complexity and sophistication to the harmony. As can be seen, the chord progression mostly oscillates between Cmaj7, Bsus4, Bm7 before moving to Dm and Gm towards the end of the verse.

Beck – Girl Acoustic – Verse

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Chord Progression

A, G, C, A, A, G, C, A, A, G, C, A, G, C

Chord Progression Analysis

A Major (I), G Major (bVII), C Major (bIII), A Major (I)
A Major (I), G Major (bVII), C Major (bIII), A Major (I)
A Major (I), G Major (bVII), C Major (bIII), A Major (I)
G Major (bVII), C Major (bIII)

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G Major and C Major are borrowed chords from the parallel minor (A minor) key.
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Neil Young – “Heart of Gold”
A minor (i), G major (bVII), C major (bIII), E minor (v)
2. Oasis – “Champagne Supernova”
A major (I), E major (V), G major (bVII), A major (I)

In conclusion, Beck’s “Girl Acoustic” verse chord progression is a memorable and uplifting pattern that is characteristic of the pop and folk style. With its mix of major and minor chords, as well as the stability provided by the repetition, this progression supports the expressive lyrics and catchy melody that make the song stand out.

Musical Analysis

In this progression, Beck moves between the tonic A major chord (I) and the borrowed chords G Major (bVII) and C Major (bIII) from the parallel minor key. This creates a sense of tension and release, as the borrowed chords add an unexpected, yet still consonant, color to the progression. The repetition of the pattern throughout the verse creates a sense of stability and familiarity, allowing the listener to focus on the song’s melody and lyrics.

Overall Analysis

The verse chord progression in Beck’s “Girl Acoustic” features a bright and uplifting feel, with a mix of major and minor chords. The progression is in the key of A major and showcases a simplicity that is common in pop and folk music.

Style Analysis

“Girl Acoustic” follows a style reminiscent of pop and folk music, using simple major and minor chords with straightforward harmonic progressions to create a catchy and easy-to-follow song. The use of borrowed chords adds some complexity to the harmony, but overall, it remains accessible and engaging to a wide range of listeners. The acoustic guitar and vocal arrangement also contribute to this stripped-down, intimate feel.

Chords in the Verse section of Girl Acoustic by Beck are:

A, G, C, A, A, G, C, A, A, G, C, A, G, C