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The outro of “Heart Is A Drum” by Beck features a non-diatonic chord progression that includes a mixture of major, minor, and suspended chords. This chord progression results in a sense of longing and unresolved tension that is appropriate for an outro section. Additionally, the progression includes a borrowed chord, the Eb6sus2, which is borrowed from the parallel minor key and contributes to the unique, emotional quality of the song.

“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.

Beck – Heart Is A Drum – Hook 3

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Chord Progression

G, Dm7, F, C, F, C

Chord Progression Analysis

G major (V), Dm7 (ii7/♭IIIM7), F major (IV), C major (I), F major (IV), C major (I)

“` Borrowed Chord: Dm7 (ii7/♭IIIM7)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “No Surprises” by Radiohead: [‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’]

Musical Analysis

The opening chord, G major (V), progresses to Dm7 (ii7/♭IIIM7), creating a descending motion that hints at a plagal cadence (IV to I), but then follows with F major (IV), offering a sense of resolution before landing on C major (I). This movement adds tension and interest to the progression, while the repeated IV – I (F – C) cadence establishes a strong sense of tonality and resolution.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the hook of Beck’s “Heart Is A Drum” is in the key of C major and follows a strong diatonic harmonic structure, with the exception of the Dm7, which acts as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (C minor). The progression exudes a feeling of longing and nostalgia, typical of many popular songs in the indie-folk genre.

Style Analysis

This chord progression is characteristic of the indie-folk genre, marked by the use of relatively simple, diatonic harmonic structures, often accompanied by acoustic instruments and introspective lyrics. The borrowed chord from the parallel minor contributes to a sense of longing and reflection, echoing the themes often found in this style.

Chords in the Hook 3 section of Heart Is A Drum by Beck are:

G, Dm7, F, C, F, C