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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.

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.

“The Less I Know The Better” by Tame Impala is in the key of E Major. The track has a unique blending of psych pop and synthrock, combining a funky bass line with Tame Impala’s signature synth timbre. Its harmonic structure is moderately complex and features some compelling chord progressions, with a few borrowed chords.

The given chord progression is in the key of C Major and follows a simple, yet effective structure. It features a blend of consonance and dissonance, which creates a sense of resolution and tension simultaneously. This progression is characteristic of Radiohead’s unique sound and their ability to create emotive landscapes through their music.

The key of the song is D major which makes it easier to analyze the chord progression according to the diatonic scale in the key of D Major.

Beck – Paper Tiger – Outro

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Chord Progression

E, E7, Bm

Chord Progression Analysis

E Major (I) – E7 (V7/iv) – B minor (iv)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Am (i) – Am/G (i/♭VII) – Am/F♯ (i/♮VI) – Am/G (i/♭VII)

2. Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Am (i) – D7/Ab (V7/iv/v) – G (♭VII) – D (iv)

3. David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
C (I) – E7 (V7/vi) – F (IV) – Fm (iv)

Musical Analysis

The chord progression starts with E Major, establishing the tonic in the key of E Major. Then the E7 chord serves as a secondary dominant, as it is the dominant seventh of the following B minor chord, which is a borrowed minor subdominant (iv) from the parallel minor key, E minor. This borrowed chord adds a sense of tension and surprise, making the progression more interesting.

Overall Analysis

“Paper Tiger” by Beck is a song from his album “Sea Change,” released in 2002. The style of this song is primarily alternative rock, with elements of psychedelia and baroque pop. The outro of “Paper Tiger” features a simple chord progression of E, E7, and Bm, with interesting harmonic techniques, such as secondary dominants and borrowed chords.

Style Analysis

In the context of alternative rock, this chord progression can be seen as simple but effective, with the use of borrowed chords and secondary dominants creating a sense of harmonic tension and release. The progression is reminiscent of other rock and pop songs from the late ’60s and ’70s era, reflecting the influence of psychedelia and baroque pop. Beck is also known for his fondness for musical experimentation, and this chord progression showcases his keen sense of harmony and tonality in his songwriting.

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

E, E7, Bm