Search

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.

“Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails features a melancholic and introspective chord progression. The song is predominantly in the key of B minor. The verse and outro sections revolve around the Bm, D, and E chords, while the chorus uses a progression of Bm, G, D, A. The use of borrowed chords enriches the harmonic landscape, adding depth to the composition.

The chorus of Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” utilizes a chord progression that elevates the song’s emotional resonance, serving as a climactic counterpart to the reflective verses. This section combines lush harmonies with straightforward pop sensibilities, creating a poignant and memorable musical moment that aligns with the song’s thematic exploration of self-awareness and complexity.

The chord progression of the chorus in Beck’s “Girl Acoustic” is relatively simple and straightforward, yet effective in creating a memorable and catchy tune. The song is in the key of A major, and the progression maintains a predominantly diatonic harmony.

Beck – Ramona – Chorus:

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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