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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in “Ramona” by Beck is a blend of diatonic and chromatic harmony with some borrowed chords from outside the key. The piece is in the key of G major, and it features several instances of voice leading, smooth transitions between chords, and the occasional unexpected chord that adds interest and depth to the progression.

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck is a song with a somewhat unconventional chord progression in the hook that features major and minor chords, as well as a borrowed minor chord. It has a melancholic and introspective feeling to it. The style can be associated with the indie folk-pop genre.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Exit Music (For A Film)” by Radiohead is rather unconventional and features several borrowed chords from different modes. It showcases the band’s affinity for using non-diatonic chords and contributes to the song’s somber and haunting atmosphere.

The song, “Somebody to Love” by Queen, utilizes the classic pop/rock harmonic structure while incorporating aspects of blues and gospel music. The harmonic progression is structured around common chords found in the key of G major. However, the way these chords are ordered and arranged is unconventional and adds depth to the song. It reflects the band’s interest in pushing the boundaries of the traditional harmonic structure common in pop music of that time. Queen is known for their innovative use of harmony, which they certainly showcase in this song.

“Knights of Cydonia” by Muse features a harmonically straightforward chord progression within the rock style. This progression is primarily based in the key of E minor and centers around the Em, Bm, and A chords. Throughout the song, the driving rhythm, vocal melodies, and transitions between different sections contribute to its energetic and dramatic qualities.

Beck – Ramona – Chorus:

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Chord Progression

G, Bm, E, Am, C/G, Eb/Bb, Bb, Dm, G, G, Bm, E, Am, C/G, Eb/Bb, Bb, Dm, G, G, Bm, E, Am, C/G, Eb/Bb, Bb, Dm, G, G, Bm, E, Am, C/G, Eb/Bb, Bb, Dm, G, G, Bm, E, Am, C/G, Eb/Bb, Bb, Dm, G

Chord Progression Analysis

G (I) – Bm (iii) – E (V/vi) – Am (ii) – C/G (IV) – E♭/B♭ (bVI) – B♭ (bIII) – Dm (v) – G (I)

Repeating this progression five times in the chorus.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
E (I) – Bsus4 (V) – G#m (iii) – C#m (vi) – A (IV) – F#/A# (V/V) – B (V)

2. The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever”
C (I) – F (IV) – E♭/G (bIII) – G (V) – G (V) – Dm (ii) – Em/B (v/vi) – A (V/vi) – Am (vi)

3. David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
Em (i) – Em7M (iM7) – C/E (VI) – Cmaj7/E (VImaj7) – B♭/D (bVI) – F (II) – G (III) – Em (i)

These songs, like “Ramona,” feature unconventional or unusual chord progressions with borrowed chords and/or chromaticism that create a rich and emotional harmonic texture.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with a typical I-iii progression (G-Bm), before moving to E (V/vi) which acts as a secondary dominant to the vi (Am) chord. Am is then followed by a IV chord (C/G), creating a sense of resolution.

The progression takes an interesting turn with the borrowed chords from G minor (parallel minor key): E♭/B♭ (bVI) and B♭ (bIII). These chords create a sense of harmonic intrigue and tension, highlighting Beck’s creativity in using non-diatonic chords. Ending the progression with Dm (v) instead of D (V) brings a softer resolution back to the tonic (G) and adds a touch of modal coloration.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Ramona” by Beck is an interesting mix of diatonic and borrowed chords that creates a unique and somewhat unexpected harmonic landscape. It combines major and minor chords, borrowed chords from the parallel minor key, and chromatic chords, making a rich harmonic texture.

Style Analysis

Beck’s use of borrowed chords and chromaticism in “Ramona” reveals his penchant for incorporating various musical traditions and influences into his work. The impressionistic, emotional quality of his progression is reminiscent of romantic and early 20th-century music, with its combination of diatonic and non-diatonic harmonies. It is certainly unconventional in terms of pop music, reflecting Beck’s status as an experimental and alternative artist.

Chords in the Chorus section of Ramona by Beck are:

G, Bm, E, Am, C/G, Eb/Bb, Bb, Dm, G, G, Bm, E, Am, C/G, Eb/Bb, Bb, Dm, G, G, Bm, E, Am, C/G, Eb/Bb, Bb, Dm, G, G, Bm, E, Am, C/G, Eb/Bb, Bb, Dm, G, G, Bm, E, Am, C/G, Eb/Bb, Bb, Dm, G