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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in Verse 3 of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” features an interesting mixture of diatonic and chromatic chords with noticeable tonal shifts. The progression is G – A# – Am – C – G – A# – Am – C, with an emphasis on the G major key. This progression conveys an expressive and slightly unstable mood, creating tension and release with the inclusion of borrowed and non-diatonic chords.

This is simply a repetition of the F major chord, played four times. This does not provide much variety or harmonic interest, but it might create a sense of stability and could be used to produce a strong tonal center.

Muse’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a rock interpretation of the classic 1967 pop song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, which has been covered by various artists in different styles. The chord progression of the chorus is characterized by a series of diatonic chords, predominant in Western pop music. This progression follows a typical 1950’s “doowop” pattern present in countless pop and rock songs, utilizing the familiar circle of fourths movement (Dm-G-C) and establishing a straightforward harmonic rhythm.

Chord Progression Analysis with Roman Numerals (borrowed chords in code block):

D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A major (V/vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major 7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – C6 (I6) – C major (I) – Ab major (*bVI) – C major (I)

`* Ab major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor).`

The chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “Gone Gone” is a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, making it an interesting and unique progression. It features a combination of major, minor, and an altered seventh chord, adding to the overall complexity of the progression. The style is reminiscent of jazz and R&B, where more complex harmonic structures are often used. Some borrowings from different modes and chromaticism also contribute to its richness and distinct sound.

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.

Beck – Say Goodbye – Chorus

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Chord Progression

G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C

Chord Progression Analysis

G Major (I), A# Major (bIII), A Minor (ii), C Major (IV)

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Borrowed Chord: A# Major (bIII)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep” [‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘Cm’]
G Major (I), B Major (III), C Major (IV), C Minor (iv)

2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” [‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#m’, ‘G’]
A Minor (i), G Major (VII), A Minor (i), G Major (VII), A Minor (i), C# Minor (iii), F# Minor (vi), G Major (VII)

While the chord progressions in these songs are not identical to that in “Say Goodbye,” they share some similarities in terms of creating tension and contrast through the use of borrowed or non-diatonic chords. In “Creep,” the Cm (iv) chord provides a similar effect as the borrowed A# Major chord in “Say Goodbye.” In “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” the non-diatonic C#m (iii) and F#m (vi) chords provide a similar sense of tension and resolution within the progression.

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with the I chord (G Major), establishing the tonal center of G. It then moves to the borrowed bIII chord (A# Major), which adds a touch of unexpected chromaticism and, in the context of G major, provides a sense of tension before resolving to the more diatonic ii chord (A Minor). The progression then moves to the IV chord (C Major), which creates a sense of resolution, though not as strongly as returning to the I chord would have. This cycle repeats four times, providing a sense of familiarity and continuity within the chorus. The contrast between the chromatic A# and the more familiar diatonic chords within the progression contributes to the song’s overall emotional impact and memorability.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Say Goodbye” by Beck features a simple, yet unique combination of major and minor chords. It is primarily built around the key of G major, but includes a chromatic twist with the inclusion of the A# major chord. The progression is fairly repetitive, which provides a stable and recognizable backbone for the chorus.

Style Analysis

This chord progression appears to have influences from a range of genres, including pop, rock, and folk. The mix of major and minor chords, as well as the inclusion of a borrowed chord, creates an interesting tension between brightness and darkness, a common feature in many of Beck’s songs. The use of chromaticism and borrowing chords from parallel keys can also be seen as an element of experimentation, which is often present in alternative and indie music.

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

G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C