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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.

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck is primarily a folk and indie rock song that features an interesting harmonic structure in the Hook 2. The progression adds complexity and emotional depth to the song by diverging from the standard conventions of Western popular music. The chord progression includes a borrowed chord, which adds richness to the overall sound.

The chord progression in the verse of “Congratulations” by MGMT is an interesting blend of conventional pop and classical harmonies with some use of borrowed chords. The progression features mostly diatonic chords in the key of G major, but there are moments of modal interchange and suspensions that add color and tension to the progression.

“The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles is an iconic pop ballad renowned for its rich harmonic content. It employs both modal interchange and secondary dominants, thus securing its place as an exemplary piece in pop music harmony. Its dominant tonality is D Major, however, it makes use of many borrowed chords.

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls is a song in the key of D Major, and uses a very common pop/rock chord progression. The sheer repetition of the progression throughout the verse establishes a solid harmonic background upon which the melody can freely roam. Chords include the primary triads (I, IV, V) which are D, G, A, minor variations of the secondary triads (ii, iii, vi), which are Em, F#m, Bm.

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