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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a melancholic song with an emotional chord progression. The song is in the key of A Major and features a mixture of diatonic chords, suspended chords, and extended chords that create a sense of yearning and tension. The verse is characterized by a cyclical progression that begins and ends on the tonic (A), providing a sense of unresolved tension. This helps to support the song’s themes of artificiality and dissatisfaction.

The song “It’s A Fire” by Portishead features complex harmonic structures, distinguished by a fusion of pop, rock, and elements of jazz harmonies. The band, known for their trip-hop style, employ chromatically richer harmony and non-diatonic chord progressions in this piece. The chord progression of ‘It’s A Fire’ is consistent with this approach as we see the frequent use of suspended and minor chords alongside major ones, which creates a sense of unresolved tension. Borrowed chords, usually taken from the parallel minor or major key, are also used frequently to add stylistic color to the harmony.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is in the key of A minor and quite uniquely, the song borrows chords from parallel major and minor keys, as well as from modes like mixolydian. It is one of George Harrison’s contributions to the Beatles and showcases sophisticated harmonic techniques and an intricate chordal design, reflecting deeply on the influence of Eastern music and philosophies on his songwriting.

Beck – Nobodys Fault But My Own – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

D5, Dmaj7, D6, D9, F, Em, D5, D5, Dmaj7, D6, D9, F, Em, D5, Bb, Am, G, F, C, Asus

Chord Progression Analysis

D5 (I), Dmaj7 (Imaj7), D6 (I6), D9 (I9), F (♭III), Em (ii), D5 (I), D5 (I), Dmaj7 (Imaj7), D6 (I6), D9 (I9), F (♭III), Em (ii), D5 (I), Bb (♭VI), Am (v), G (IV), F (♭III), C (VII), Asus (V5sus)

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Borrowed Chords: F (♭III), Bb (♭VI), C (VII)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Cm (i), A♭ (VI), G (V), Fm (iv), C (III), Ddim (iio), Fm (iv), Bb (VII), G# (VI), A (V/V), E (V)

2. The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever”
E♭ (I), Fm (ii), Gm (iii), C7 (V7/IV), Fm (ii), A♭ (IV), Emaj7 (V7/V), A♭ (IV), B♭ (V), A♭ (IV)

These songs are notable for their usage of borrowed chords and chromaticism, which adds depth and complexity to their harmonic structures. While the exact chord progressions may not be identical to Beck’s “Nobody’s Fault But My Own,” they highlight the innovative approaches that these artists have taken to create unique and memorable harmony in their music.

Musical Analysis

The verse begins with four D-based chords (D5, Dmaj7, D6, D9), which provide a sense of stability and establish D as the tonal center. The F (♭III) chord that follows introduces some tension as it is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (D minor) and adds chromaticism to the progression. The progression then returns to diatonic chords with Em (ii) and D5 (I) before repeating a similar sequence.

In the second half of the verse, the progression ventures into more chromatic territory with the Bb (♭VI) and C (VII) borrowed chords, which are borrowed from the parallel minor and the Mixolydian mode, respectively. The Am (v) adds an interesting modal touch as well, as it is a variant of the expected A major chord in the D Major scale, and the progression ends with a V-I cadence in the form of a suspended Asus (V5sus) chord that resolves to D5 (I) in the next line or chorus.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in Beck’s “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” from Verse 1 features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, primarily from the D Major scale but also incorporating chords from the parallel minor and other related keys. This gives the progression a unique and fresh sound that sets it apart from more traditional progressions. Notably, there are several pedal points using the D root throughout the progression, which helps maintain a sense of tonal center.

Style Analysis

Beck is known for his diverse and eclectic influences, often incorporating various styles and genres into his music. This chord progression from “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” showcases his unique approach to songwriting and harmony. The mixture of diatonic, borrowed, and modal chords enhances the emotive quality of the song and reflects Beck’s experimental nature.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Nobodys Fault But My Own by Beck are:

D5, Dmaj7, D6, D9, F, Em, D5, D5, Dmaj7, D6, D9, F, Em, D5, Bb, Am, G, F, C, Asus