Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck is a simple, yet emotional and effective piece, written in the key of C major. The chord progression of the verse revolves around the tonic (C) and the subdominant (Dm7), resulting in a gentle, down-to-earth feel, characteristic of Beck’s folk and alternative music influences.

“Lord Only Knows” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective chord progression in its Verse 2. The harmonic foundation of this progression is based on the I – V – IV – I pattern, repeated four times. This pattern is common in many popular music genres, with the verse featuring a strong tonic-dominant relationship. The progression also displays an interesting mix of major and minor chords, adding a certain level of spice to the harmonic atmosphere present in the verse.

The chord progression in Beck’s “Morning” is an interesting mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, creating a sense of tension and release throughout the progression. The use of borrowed chords and the mix of major and minor keys gives the piece a flowing, emotional quality.

Beck – Heart Is A Drum – Hook 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

G, Dm7, F, C, F, C

Chord Progression Analysis

G Major (I) – D Minor 7 (v7) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I)

`Borrowed Chord: D Minor 7 (v7)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Karma Police”:
Am (i) – D7 (IV7) – G (bVII) – Em (v) – G (bVII) – F#m7♭5 (vi7♭5)

2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”:
Am (i) – G (VII) – Am (i) – Am7/G (i7/VII) – Am7 (i7) – C#m7♭5 (iv7♭5) – C (III) – E (V)

Musical Analysis

The chord progression begins with the tonic G Major (I) chord that provides a sense of stability. The following borrowed chord, Dm7 (v7), is taken from the parallel key of G minor and adds a sense of tension and ambiguity to the harmony. This effect is typical in folk or indie rock music as it adds an emotional impact to the listener.

The F Major (IV) chord re-establishes the major tonality, resolving the tension created by the borrowed chord. The progression continues to alternate between the F Major (IV) and C Major (I) chords, which creates a sense of familiarity and consonance. This repeated use of the plagal cadence (IV-I) helps to impart a hymn-like or spiritual atmosphere to the song.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Heart Is A Drum” blends elements of folk and indie rock music, which is evident in the acoustic guitar and the loose, simple drumming pattern. The use of the borrowed chord (Dm7) contributes to the genre’s characteristic mix of melancholy, introspection, and contemplation. This chord progression stands out because it daringly strays from the commonly used major and minor diatonic chords while still maintaining a pleasing and coherent sound.

Chords in the Hook 2 section of Heart Is A Drum by Beck are:

G, Dm7, F, C, F, C