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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The bridge of Beck’s “Heart Is A Drum” features a mixture of diatonic chords and borrowed chords. This creates a sense of continuous flow, which is commonly found in many popular music songs. The progression contains primary chords (G, C, and F) and a secondary chord (Dm7).

“All You Need Is Love” is in the key of G major. The song primarily uses the chords within the key signature and has a relatively simple harmonic structure. However, the song does utilize a few distinct chord choices that contribute to its unique sonic character. The song applies modal interchange with an inclusion of A minor from the G Mixolydian mode and the D7 and D6 which evoke a hint of the D Mixolydian mode.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B minor. The verse has a simple yet effective chord progression that revolves mainly around the i, III, and IV chords with a slight deviation towards the end. The chorus is characterized by a i-VII-III-VI progression with a slight extension. The outro mostly repeats the verse progression but is shorter.

“Weekend Wars” by MGMT features a distinctive and slightly unconventional chord progression. The verse is in D minor and consists of 22 chords, providing a unique and somewhat complex harmonic landscape. The majority of the chords used are diatonic, but there are also borrowed chords and other non-diatonic chords which contribute to the song’s unique character.

Chord Progression:
Dm (i), C (VII), G (IV), C (VII), G (IV), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), F (III), Am (v), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), G (IV), C (VII), G (IV), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), F (III), Am (v), F (III)

Dm – D minor
C – C major
G – G major (borrowed chord)
F – F major
Am – A minor

Beck – Ramona – Verse

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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

Chord Progression Analysis

G (I), Bm (iii), E (VI), Am (ii), C/G (IV6), Eb/Bb (bVI6/5), Bb (bIII), Dm (v), G (I), G (I), Bm (iii), E (VI), Am (ii), C/G (IV6), Eb/Bb (bVI6/5), Bb (bIII), Dm (v), G (I)

Borrowed Chord:
`Eb/Bb (bVI6/5)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Karma Police” – [‘Am’, ‘Dm’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C/G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘B7’, ‘F#m7’, ‘E’]

Am (i), Dm (iv), Em (v), G (VII), Am (i), C/G (III6), D/F# (IV6/4), B7 (II7), F#m7 (vi7), E (V)

2. The Beatles – “Something” – [‘C’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘C7’, ‘F’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am(maj7)’, ‘Am7’, ‘Am6’]

C (I), Cmaj7 (Imaj7), C7 (I7), F (IV), D7 (II7), G (V), Am (vi), Am(maj7) (vi(maj7)), Am7 (vi7), Am6 (vi6)

3. The Beach Boys – “God Only Knows” – [‘A’, ‘Bm’, ‘C#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘E’, ‘E6’, ‘D6’, ‘F#m’, ‘G’, ‘G#’, ‘E/G#’]

A (I), Bm (ii), C#m (iii), Bm (ii), E (V), E6 (V6), D6 (IV6), F#m (vi), G (bVII), G# (VII), E/G# (V6/5)

These similar chord progressions encompass various techniques and harmonic choices, such as borrowed chords, modal interchange, and voice-leading that are found in Beck’s “Ramona” progression.

Musical Analysis

This progression begins with a I-iii-VI transition, introducing a common-tone borrowing in the VI chord (E), which is typically Em in the key of G major. Following this, a ii-IV6 progression occurs before moving into another surprise with the borrowed bVI6/5 chord, which adds an Eb element from outside the key of G major. The piece then moves to a bIII chord before resolving to a v chord. The progression then loops back to G major, solidifying the tonal center.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

This chord progression showcases Beck’s unique blend of traditional and experimental compositional techniques. It starts out fairly conventional, with diatonic chords and voice-leading between upper structure triads. However, the introduction of borrowed chords and unexpected harmonies takes the listener on a more adventurous journey, highlighting Beck’s creative approach to songwriting.

Chords in the Verse 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