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“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.

“Lord Only Knows” by Beck is a blend of folk and country with a touch of alternative rock. The song features an interesting chord progression, especially in Verse 3, which includes a mixture of major and minor chords as well as a few borrowed chords.

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.

“Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd is a classic progressive rock song from their 1979 concept album “The Wall”. It features unique chord progressions, ambient guitar tones, and an atmospheric vocal performance. This particular verse progression is inspired by the Dorian mode, contributing to its melancholic and introspective atmosphere.

“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley is a well-known example of a poignant, introspective ballad with a mix of pop, folk, and gospel elements. It features intricate, emotionally evocative chord progressions that move beyond typical diatonic patterns and uses borrowed chords to create an emotionally charged atmosphere.

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