Music Theory Alchemy

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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 chord progression in the chorus of “Lost Cause” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective pattern utilizing major chords and a dominant seventh chord, which creates tension and resolution throughout the progression. The song is in C major, and the chords predominantly follow the diatonic harmony of the key. The style is reminiscent of folk and alternative rock, with the harmony playing a significant role in evoking a sense of melancholy in the listener.

“Kiss” by Prince is a classic example showcasing Prince’s unique and complex songwriting abilities. The song is written in the key of A major. The distinctive funk rock style is primarily expressed via dominant and suspended chords. This combined with Prince’s rhythmically tight and syncopated guitar playing gives the song its infectious groove.

“The Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins essentially revolves around the use of power chords, or 5th chords, to project a raw, grungy intensity. The chord progression (B5, Em, G5), extracted from the second verse of the song, is prominent throughout. The use of power chords results in a composition that doesn’t transpose to a traditional major or minor key, but fits within a modal framework.

Verse 2 of Grizzly Bear’s “Yet Again” presents a straightforward harmonic progression that is common in pop and indie rock music. This series of chords is mainly built around the key of A minor, and uses diatonic chords (those that naturally occur within the key) of this key. The recurring sequence (Am, G, C, F, F, Em, C, Dm) indicates a strong sense of familiarity and predictability, characteristic of many pop/rock anthologies.

Beck – Morning – VERSE 2

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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

Chord Progression Analysis

E Major (I) – A Major (IV) – G# minor (iii) – F# minor (ii)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV)

2. “Creep” by Radiohead:
G Major (I) – B Major (III) – C Major (IV) – C minor (iv)

3. “Someone Like You” by Adele:
A Major (I) – E Major (V) – F# minor (vi) – D Major (IV)

4. “No Surprises” by Radiohead:
D Major (I) – B minor (vi) – G Major (IV) – G minor (iv)

Musical Analysis

This progression begins on the E Major tonic chord (I) which establishes the key center of the song. It then moves to the subdominant chord (IV), A Major, introducing warmth and color. Next, it resolves to the mediant, G# minor (iii), which shares two common tones with the A Major chord. This relationship provides a smooth transition that adds a melancholy element. Finally, the progression moves to the supertonic (ii), F# minor, adding tension and propelling the progression back to the tonic (I), E Major.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

Beck’s “Morning” falls within the genre of indie folk and acoustic rock. The chord progression’s simplicity and diatonic nature are common in these genres, offering a comforting quality that supports storytelling lyrics. The use of easy-to-play open chords and repetitive nature contribute to the song’s accessibility for listeners and musicians alike.

Chords in the Verse 2 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