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“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 of “Say Goodbye” by Beck uses a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords within the key of G major. The verse features a total of 8 chords: G major, A# major, A minor, and C major. The use of a borrowed chord (A# major) adds an interesting twist to the progression and provides a unique color to the harmony.

“As Tears Go By” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock ballad featuring a simple, yet effective chord progression and harmonic language. The song is in the key of G major, and the chord progression features a mix of diatonic chords from the G major scale, with the non-diatonic A major chord included as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor) key.

“Penny Lane” by The Beatles is an eclectic and elegant piece of music evident in its rhythm, harmony, melody, and lyrics. It is predominantly in the key of A Major, but it has several key changes and introduces chords that are non-diatonic, giving it a progressive and unexpected feel.

** The chord progression in Verse 3 of Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is a combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chords in the key of A major, featuring the use of suspended chords, 9th chords, and 6th chords. The progression has a tonally ambiguous and ethereal quality, which is characteristic of Radiohead’s style.

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Beck – Lord Only Knows – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

B, D, A, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E, B, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E

Chord Progression Analysis

B Major (I), D Major (bIII), A Major (V), F# Major (IV), E Major (II), B Major (I), D Major (bIII), A Major (V), F# Major (IV), E Major (II), B Major (I), F# Major (IV), E Major (II), B Major (I), D Major (bIII), A Major (V), F# Major (IV), E Major (II)

Borrowed Chords:
“`
D Major (bIII)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Girl from the North Country” by Bob Dylan
Chord progression: D Major (I), G Major (IV), A Major (V), Bb Major (bIII), G Major (IV), D Major (I)

2. “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
Chord progression: F Major (I), G Major (V), Ab Major (bIII), F Major (I), G Major (V), Ab Major (bIII), F Major (I), G Major (II), F Major (I), Bb Major (IV)

3. “The Weight” by The Band
Chord progression: G Major (I), Bb Major (bIII), F Major (VII), G Major (I), Bb Major (bIII), F Major (VII)

Note that these songs may not share the exact same chord progression as “Lord Only Knows” but they do have similarities, including the use of the borrowed bIII chord.

Musical Analysis

In this chord progression, the song starts in the key of B Major. The progression moves between the tonic (I), subdominant (IV), and dominant (V) chords, which are typical in tonal music. The interesting twist in this progression is the presence of the borrowed bIII chord (D Major).

The bIII chord (D Major) is borrowed from the parallel minor (B minor) and creates a feeling of tension and contrast to the tonal center of B Major. This tension-release dynamic adds depth and intrigue to the chord progression, giving it a sense of movement and unpredictability.

Overall Analysis

“Lord Only Knows” by Beck is a blend of folk and country with a touch of alternative rock. The song features an interesting chord progression, especially in Verse 3, which includes a mixture of major and minor chords as well as a few borrowed chords.

Style Analysis

“Lord Only Knows” combines elements of folk, country, and alternative rock in its chord progression and arrangement. The use of the borrowed bIII chord in Verse 3 is reminiscent of the harmonic language found in folk and country music, while the slightly unconventional structure and the blend of major and minor chords lend a nod to the alternative rock genre.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Lord Only Knows by Beck are:

B, D, A, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E, B, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E