Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the outro of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” is an interesting combination of diatonic and chromatic elements. The use of the borrowed chord A# major in the mostly diatonic setting adds an unexpected twist to the progression, creating a unique and expressive harmonic landscape.

“Sexx Laws” by Beck is a unique and interesting piece that combines elements of various musical styles including funk, rock, and pop. The chord progression found in Verse 3 is quite simple yet effective, creating a sense of tension and release.

Verse 2 of Grizzly Bear’s “Yet Again” presents a straightforward harmonic progression that is common in pop and indie rock music. This series of chords is mainly built around the key of A minor, and uses diatonic chords (those that naturally occur within the key) of this key. The recurring sequence (Am, G, C, F, F, Em, C, Dm) indicates a strong sense of familiarity and predictability, characteristic of many pop/rock anthologies.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of “Get You” by Daniel Caesar features some interesting and often non-diatonic chords. It provides a smooth and lush sound that complements the rest of the song. This progression shows influences from R&B and neo-soul genres, which often use extended and borrowed chords.

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song that features an uncommon chord progression with some unique harmonic choices. The Verse 2 progression has a strong sense of tonal ambiguity and the chords often fluctuate between major and minor tonalities. This contributes to the emotional depth and complexity of the song, which is characteristic of Pink Floyd’s music.

Beck – Say Goodbye – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

G major (I)
A# major (bIII)
A minor (ii)
C major (IV)
G major (I)
A# major (bIII)
A minor (ii)
C major (IV)

“`
Borrowed Chord: A# major (bIII)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep”: [G major (I), B major (bIII), C major (IV), C minor (iv)]
2. David Bowie – “Heroes”: [D major (I), F# major (bIII), G major (IV), G minor (iv)]
3. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”: [Am (i), A# major (bII), G (bVII), C (III)]

These songs feature similar chord progressions with a borrowed chord that adds an unexpected and powerful mood shift within their respective keys.

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with the tonic chord, G major, followed by a borrowed chord, A# major, before settling into the diatonic chords A minor and C major. The A# major adds a surprising and colorful twist to the otherwise standard progression in the key of G major. The A# major chord acts as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key of G minor, giving the progression a refreshing and emotionally complex quality. The repeated cycle of these chords lends a sense of development and movement throughout the verse.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

This chord progression showcases Beck’s experimental and creative approach to songwriting, as he is known for integrating various musical styles and influences. This particular progression has a slight touch of classical influence due to the functional aspect of the chords, but it also carries a hint of pop-rock sensibility. The use of a borrowed chord, like the A# major in this case, is a technique commonly found in many contemporary music genres, which adds emotional depth and contrast to a song.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Say Goodbye by Beck are:

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