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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The given chord progression is from Beck’s song “Sexx Laws” and runs as follows: B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#. This progression features chords mainly from the B Major key, but includes borrowed chords from the parallel minor key as well. The harmonic movement showcases Beck’s interesting approach to songwriting and shows some influence from the soul and funk genres.

The chord progression in the verse of Beck’s “Sexx Laws” is a blend of major and minor chords, which creates a unique and somewhat unpredictable sound. The progression shifts between the key of B major and G# minor, reflecting an adventurous approach to harmony. The style of this progression has a hint of funk and jazz, with a touch of blues.

“Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You” by George Benson is a romantic ballad in the key of Db major. The piece features a soothing and harmonically rich chord progression that is characteristic of the pop/jazz fusion style popular in the late 70s and 80s. The chorus features a mix of diatonic, borrowed, and secondary-dominant chords, creating an expressive palette of colors and tensions. This progression shares similarities with other ballads and pop songs from the era.

“Hey Jude” goes through a clear progression, switching through the keys of D major, A major and G major. Like many Beatles songs, it cleverly varies between these keys in keeping with the melody and mood of the piece. The complexity of this progression is part of the song’s charm and helps exemplifies the band’s creative approach to composition.

The “Glory Box” by Portishead chorus progression is based in D minor and moves between this primary D minor chord and three other chords: Dm/C, Bm7b5, and Bbmaj7. The Dm/C chord is the same as the D minor, but with a different note in the bass (C). The Bm7b5 is a half-diminished chord. The Bbmaj7 is major seventh chord.

Beck – Sexx Laws – Chorus

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Chord Progression

E, G#, C#, G, F#, F, E, D, A, A#

Chord Progression Analysis

E Major (I), G# Major (bIII), C# Major (V/vi), G Major (bIII/iv), F# Major (II), F Major (bII), E Major (I), D Major (VII), A Major (IV), A# Diminished (iv°)

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Borrowed chords: G# Major, G Major, F Major, A# Diminished
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android” (in a different key): Bb Major (I), Db Major (bIII), F# Major (V/vi), Eb Major (IV), D Major (VII), A Major (IV), Bb Major (I)
2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” (in a different key): Am (i), A#dim (iidim), C#m7(b5) (ivm7b5), C (bIII), G (VII), F#dim (vidim), E (VI)

Each of these songs uses unexpected chords, borrowed chords, and chromatic elements, making them similar in style to the chord progression in “Sexx Laws” by Beck.

Musical Analysis

The progression begins and ends with the E major chord, which is the tonic chord, establishing a sense of E major as the tonal center. However, the second chord, G# Major, deviates from the diatonic chords in E major and is a borrowed chord. The movement from the E major to the G# Major introduces a chromaticism that is further enhanced by the following chords.

The inclusion of borrowed chords such as G Major, F Major, and the A# Diminished chord adds unexpected harmonic motion and color. The progression moves in chromatic and whole steps, creating a sense of tension and release. The use of parallel major chords, such as E, G#, C#, G, and F#, contributes to a classic rock sound.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Sexx Laws” by Beck is a non-diatonic chord progression that features chromatic and unexpected chords. The progression seems to be based in the key of E major, but the chords used are not strictly within the E major scale, providing a distinctive sound and style characteristic of Beck’s music. The progression contains some parallel major chords, giving it a distinct classic rock vibe.

Style Analysis

Beck is known for his diverse and innovative musical style, drawing from various genres such as rock, blues, and folk. This particular chord progression highlights Beck’s ability to combine traditional harmony with non-diatonic, unexpected, and chromatic elements. The classic rock-inspired parallel major chords, inject a vintage flavor, and the overall progression can be considered a unique blend fitting Beck’s eclectic style.

Chords in the Chorus section of Sexx Laws by Beck are:

E, G#, C#, G, F#, F, E, D, A, A#