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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” showcases a unique blend of chords that are not commonly heard together in popular music. The mix of major, minor, and borrowed chords creates an interesting and engaging sound. Its distinctive quality can be found in the use of the A# major chord, which is not diatonic to the key of G major.

The provided chord progression is quite simple, with a single chord (F) repeated four times. This type of progression creates a static or stable feel, with no harmonic tension to resolve. This chord progression alone isn’t enough to give a complete musical analysis, as it’s quite minimalistic, and it’s necessary to evaluate the progression in the context of the entire song. However, I can still offer some thoughts on the progression’s possible function, style notes, and similar chord progressions.

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” is a Beatles song composed in the key of D Major. It’s a classic example of Paul McCartney’s knack for catchy pop songwriting. This song showcases McCartney’s affinity for borrowing chords to make his progressions more interesting.

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“Somebody To Love” by Queen is a classic rock ballad in the key of G major, drawing heavily from influences of gospel music and blues progressions. Its bridge, aside from the characteristic gospel and rock elements, includes a modulating progression that is particularly interesting due to its use of borrowed chords, which adds contrast and emphasizes the emotive quality of the song.

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“The Long And Winding Road” by The Beatles presents us with a classic example of their innovative approach to harmony and composition. Drawing from various sources of influence, the song incorporates elements of traditional pop ballad form with a hint of the Baroque harmonic palette. This song is an excellent study in complex harmony and modulation within a pop music context, a trait that underpins much of The Beatles’ later work.

Beck – Say Goodbye – Bridge

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Chord Progression

D, C

Chord Progression Analysis

D Major (I) – C Major (bVII)

Borrowed chord:
`C Major (bVII)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Neil Young – “Down by the River”
Chord Progression:
E Minor (i) – D Major (bVII)

2. The Beatles – “Hey Jude”
Chord Progression (during the outro section):
F Major (I) – E-flat Major (bVII)

3. Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Chord progression (during the chorus):
G Major (I) – F Major (bVII)

These songs feature a similar bVII movement, which contributes to their unique and memorable nature.

Musical Analysis

The bridge oscillates between the D Major and C Major chords. The use of the flattened seventh chord (C Major) in the key of D Major adds a touch of unexpectedness and intrigue, making the progression engaging. This movement between the tonic and the borrowed chord from the mixolydian mode makes the progression sound unique and captivating.

Overall Analysis

The bridge of “Say Goodbye” by Beck features a simple two-chord progression. However, this simplicity allows space for an interesting interplay between melody and harmony while still evoking strong emotions. Despite being simple, the progression still manages to create a sense of tension and resolution.

Style Analysis

Beck is known for blending various styles of music, such as folk, rock, and electronica. The choice of this simple yet unexpected chord progression contributes to his signature eclecticism. The use of the bVII chord in a major key has a hint of modal mixture, adding an element of surprise as well as lending it a distinct “Beck” quality. It’s worth noting that this chord progression can be often found in various genres, particularly in rock, alternative music, and indie.

Chords in the Bridge section of Say Goodbye by Beck are:

D, C