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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the verse of Beck’s “Paper Tiger” can be considered a combination of common and non-diatonic chords. The progression moves from a major chord to its dominant 7th and then resolves to the relative minor. Stylistically, this progression is used in rock, pop, and jazz music to create tension and resolution while maintaining a sense of movement or flow.

The chord progression of the chorus in Beck’s “Girl Acoustic” is relatively simple and straightforward, yet effective in creating a memorable and catchy tune. The song is in the key of A major, and the progression maintains a predominantly diatonic harmony.

“Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You” by George Benson is a romantic ballad in the key of Db major. The piece features a soothing and harmonically rich chord progression that is characteristic of the pop/jazz fusion style popular in the late 70s and 80s. The chorus features a mix of diatonic, borrowed, and secondary-dominant chords, creating an expressive palette of colors and tensions. This progression shares similarities with other ballads and pop songs from the era.

The chorus of “The Good Life” by Weezer features a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, with a primary focus on the key of G major. The chord progression stands out as somewhat unconventional due to the inclusion of chromatic chords, which gives it an interesting character and emotion. Additionally, the repetition of certain chords emphasizes the harmonic structure and creates a sense of familiarity.

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The song “Jolene” by Dolly Parton sports a simple yet effective chord progression. The entire song is in the key of C major / A minor (they share the same key signature), with a clear preference for the darker minor tones over the light major tones. This song is a great example of the use of simple chord structures and progressions to evoke emotive sensations.

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Beck – Paper Tiger – Chorus

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Chord Progression

E, C, A, E, C, A, E, C, A, E, A, G, D, E

Chord Progression Analysis

E Major (I), C Major (bVI), A Major (IV), E Major (I),
C Major (bVI), A Major (IV), E Major (I),
C Major (bVI), A Major (IV), E Major (I),
A Major (IV), G Major (bIII), D Major (bVII), E Major (I)

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Borrowed Chords: C Major (bVI), G Major (bIII), D Major (bVII)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead (Verse Chords):
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G Major (I), B Major (#III), C Major (IV), C Minor (iv)
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2. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles (Verse Chords):
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A Minor (i), A Major (I), C# Minor (iv), G Major (VII), G Minor (vii)
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3. “Champagne Supernova” by Oasis (Main Progression Chords):
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A Major (I), E Major (V), F# Minor (vi), D Major (IV), G Major (bVII), A Major (I)
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These similar progressions also blend major and minor chords to create an emotional context in their respective songs. However, it’s important to note that they differ in terms of harmony, chord quality, and overall structure.

Musical Analysis

The chorus of “Paper Tiger” repeatedly uses the progression I – bVI – IV, which is an interesting mix of diatonic and borrowed chords. E major serves as the tonal center, giving a sense of resolution when returned to after each progression. The use of borrowed chords C Major (bVI) and G Major (bIII) introduces chromaticism which adds color and depth to the progression. Additionally, the final inclusion of the D Major (bVII) chord creates a sense of closure before resolving back to E Major (I).

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Paper Tiger” by Beck is an interesting mix of major and minor chords which gives the song a unique and slightly melancholic vibe. While the song is in the key of E major, it contains several chords borrowed from the parallel minor key and features unusual harmonic movement. This creates a sense of tension and release that is characteristic of Beck’s music.

Style Analysis

This chord progression is characteristic of Beck’s unique style, which often combines unconventional elements to create compelling and memorable music. The incorporation of borrowed chords and alternating between major and minor chords adds emotional contrast, making the chorus feel both familiar and unexpected. This duality can create a sense of intrigue, drawing the listener in.

Chords in the Chorus section of Paper Tiger by Beck are:

E, C, A, E, C, A, E, C, A, E, A, G, D, E