Music Theory Alchemy

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The chord progression in the verse 2 of Beck’s “Morning” is an example of a common progression in popular music, involving the I, IV, iii, and ii chords. The harmony is mostly diatonic, staying within the key of E major. The progression features regular 4-chord phrases and a smooth, consonant flow between chords.

This is simply a repetition of the F major chord, played four times. This does not provide much variety or harmonic interest, but it might create a sense of stability and could be used to produce a strong tonal center.

“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.

Beck – Morning – HOOK 2

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Chord Progression

G, A, E, B, D, A, B, D, A, B, D, A, B, D, A, E

Chord Progression Analysis

G major (I), A major (IV), E minor (vi), B minor (iii), D major (V), A major (IV), B minor (iii), D major (V), A major (IV), B minor (iii), D major (V), A major (IV), B minor (iii), D major (V), A major (IV), E minor (vi)

Borrowed chords: N/A for this chord progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Karma Police”:
A minor (i), A major (I), G major (VII), D major (IV), E minor (v), B minor (ii)

2. The Beatles – “Let It Be”:
C major (I), G major (V), A minor (vi), F major (IV), C major (I), G major (V), F major (IV), C major (I)

3. Coldplay – “The Scientist”:
D minor (i), B♭major (VI), F major (III), C major (VII)

These artists also use a mix of major and minor chords in their progressions, creating a similar sense of tension and release. Additionally, the raised IV chord found in “Morning” is also observed in Radiohead’s “Karma Police,” showcasing a similar technique in blending diatonic and non-diatonic chords to achieve an innovative and emotive sound.

Musical Analysis

Beck creates tension in this progression with the raised IV chord, the A major, which departs from the typical diatonic chords found in G major. This unexpected chord brings a sense of freshness and innovation to the progression. The shift between E minor and B minor chords further introduces a sense of tonal ambiguity, as both chords are minor and can be found in different key centers.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

The chord progression is reflective of Beck’s eclectic style, which often mixes elements of various musical genres into his compositions. In “Morning,” Beck combines the emotional intensity of minor chords with the uplifting quality of major chords, drawing from diverse musical traditions such as pop, indie rock, and folk music.

Chords in the Hook 2 section of Morning by Beck are:

G, A, E, B, D, A, B, D, A, B, D, A, B, D, A, E