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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Paper Tiger” by Beck is a unique and stylistic piece, displaying a blend of various genres and influences. The verse 2 chord progression is quite simple, but the harmonic choices create tension and provide a sense of movement throughout the progression. Combining the elements of rock, folk, and alternative music, this chord progression is both intriguing and musically satisfying.

The chord progression in the chorus of Beck’s “Lord Only Knows” is in the key of B Major and features some chromaticism and borrowed chords that give it a unique and somewhat unexpected sound. The chords move predominantly in fourths and fifths. The nature of the progression is reminiscent of rock and folk music, but Beck’s quirky and stylistic approach also evokes an alternative feel.

The Sound Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1964, is a solid example of folk rock genre transitioning into what we now know as classic rock. The chord progression is straightforward yet powerful, and it perfectly complements the beautifully written lyrics and evocative vocal harmonies. Furthermore, the song is written in A minor, a key that is often associated with sadness, which enhances the melancholic and introspective feelings conveyed by the lyrics.

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“With a Little Help from My Friends” is a song by the Beatles from their 1967 album ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’. It features Ringo Starr who sings the song in the role of ‘Billy Shears’, a fictional character from the ‘Sgt. Pepper’ album. It was composed by Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

The full chord sequence you provided represents the verse. The song itself is predominantly in E Major, but contains several borrowed chords and modal exchanges. As was common with Beatles’s compositions, they often incorporated intricate chord progressions and did not strictly adhere to traditional key signatures.

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The chord progression in “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily centered around the Cm7 chord throughout the verses and pre-choruses, with the chorus briefly moving to the F major chord before returning back to Cm7. The song is in the key of C minor, and the chords used are mostly diatonic to the key, creating a dark and somewhat haunting atmosphere. The progression is simplistic but effective, establishing a strong sense of forward motion and tension that is fitting for the industrial rock style of the song.

Beck – Paper Tiger – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

E, E7, Bm

Chord Progression Analysis

E Major (I), E Dominant 7 (I7), B Minor (vi)

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E Major (I) – E Dominant 7 (I7) – B Minor (vi)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “I Saw Her Standing There”
Chord Progression: E Major (I) – E7 (I7) – A Major (IV) – B7 (V7)

2. Bob Dylan – “Like A Rolling Stone”
Chord Progression: C Major (I) – Fmaj7 (IVmaj7) – G Major (V) – A Minor (vi)

3. The Police – “Every Breath You Take”
Chord Progression: I Major (I) – VImaj7 (vi^maj7) – IVMaj7 (IV^maj7) – iv^min6 (iv^min6)

These examples show similar usage of dominant 7th chords and resolution to either the IV chord or the relative minor. They demonstrate how this type of chord progression is used in various genres to create distinct and memorable musical experiences.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with the tonic chord, E Major (I), which establishes the tonal center of the piece. The next chord, E Dominant 7 (I7), introduces tension with the inclusion of the minor 7th interval (in this case, D). This tension is released when the progression resolves to the relative minor (B Minor), which acts as a substitution for the IV chord that would typically follow a dominant 7th chord. The use of the I7 and vi chords adds interest and helps create a sense of movement within the verse while maintaining a unified tonal center.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

This chord progression can be seen as a blend of rock, pop, and jazz influences, as it uses both diatonic and non-diatonic chords for tension and resolution. Beck often incorporates various genres in his music, and “Paper Tiger” is no exception. The use of dominant 7th chords and resolution to the relative minor is a common technique in jazz and blues music, while the major and minor chords are more prevalent in rock and pop. This combination of musical elements contributes to the unique sound and feel of the piece.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Paper Tiger by Beck are:

E, E7, Bm