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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The outro of Beck’s song “Morning” features a beautiful and interesting chord progression in the key of E major. This progression has a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords that creates an evocative sonority and dreamy atmosphere, fitting seamlessly with the rest of the song.

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.

The song “Purple Rain” by Prince is a classic and showcases some interesting use of chord progressions. The key of the song is G major. The classic, popular music formula is present in the use of common chords like I, ii, IV, V which are all diatonic within the key. Noticeably, this song opts for a more simplistic, cyclical chord progression structure that emphasizes repetition of strong melodic lines.

“Take Me Home Country Roads” is written in G major. The song is characterized by a strong, consistent beat and a simple, memorable melody which are typical characteristics associated with country and folk music. The progression follows a predictable sequence, also typical of these genres, and contributes to the song’s classic, feel.

David Bowie’s song, “Space Oddity,” is typically interpreted as being in the key of C Major. It’s an interesting song harmonically, featuring not just Primary Triads and Secondary Dominants but also uses Borrowed Chords, non-functional harmony, and chromatic chord changes. The kind of harmonic movement might be called Bowie’s deviation from the traditional harmonic patterns, which is part of what gives his music its characteristic ‘alien’ vibe. This progression has a more modal feeling due to the use of borrowed chords and the shifted tonal center.

Beck – Morning – VERSE 1

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Chord Progression

E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m

Chord Progression Analysis

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E Major (I) – A Major (IV) – G# Minor (vi) – F# Minor (ii)
E Major (I) – A Major (IV) – G# Minor (vi) – F# Minor (ii)
E Major (I) – A Major (IV) – G# Minor (vi) – F# Minor (ii)
E Major (I) – A Major (IV) – G# Minor (vi) – F# Minor (ii)
E Major (I) – A Major (IV) – G# Minor (vi) – F# Minor (ii)
E Major (I) – A Major (IV) – G# Minor (vi) – F# Minor (ii)
E Major (I) – A Major (IV) – G# Minor (vi) – F# Minor (ii)
E Major (I) – A Major (IV) – G# Minor (vi) – F# Minor (ii)

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Similar Chord Progressions

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1. Bob Dylan – “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”
Chord Progression: G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A Minor (ii) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – C Major (IV)

2. Green Day – “21 Guns”
Chord Progression: D Major (I) – A Major (V) – B Minor (vi) – G Major (IV)

3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”
Chord Progression: E Minor (i) – G Major (III) – D Major (VII) – A Major (IV)

These examples share some similarities with the chord progression in “Morning” in that they all make use of simple diatonic chords, have repetitive structures, and exhibit a sense of warmth and familiarity.

Musical Analysis

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The chord progression follows a simple, repetitive pattern that is common in pop and rock music. It has a strong sense of tonality with the E Major chord (I) beginning each cycle. The A Major chord (IV) provides a departure from the tonic and contributes to the sense of resolution when returning to E Major. The G# Minor (vi) and F# Minor (ii) chords both add some tension and emotion to the progression. The fact that there are no borrowed chords or modulations in this particular chord progression maintains a sense of familiarity and simplicity.

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Overall Analysis

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The given chord progression is from the verse of Beck’s song “Morning.” The progression is in the key of E Major and follows a cyclical pattern throughout the verse.

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Style Analysis

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The style of this chord progression is reflective of Beck’s indie/folk-rock sensibilities. The focus on diatonic chords creates a warm, folky feel. Furthermore, this straightforward and repetitive progression is typical of pop, rock, and folk genres, supporting a melodic and/or lyrical focus in the song.

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Chords in the Verse 1 section of Morning by Beck are:

E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m