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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Paper Tiger” by Beck is an interesting mix of major and minor chords which gives the song a unique and slightly melancholic vibe. While the song is in the key of E major, it contains several chords borrowed from the parallel minor key and features unusual harmonic movement. This creates a sense of tension and release that is characteristic of Beck’s music.

The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” presents an interesting mix of major and minor chords with excellent use of chord inversions and borrowings. The song is harmonically adventurous, showcasing the band’s pop mastery with Brian Wilson’s unmatched compositional skills. This song is primarily in the key of A Major, with many borrowed chords and modulation that creates its unique feel.

Taylor Swift’s “Black Dog” features a chorus that uses a sophisticated and intricate chord progression to drive the emotional depth and thematic elements of the song. This progression combines inversions and extensions to create a layered and textured musical atmosphere, reflecting the complexity of the song’s lyrics and enhancing its reflective nature.

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis is written in the key of C major. Although it largely conforms to the traditional progressions expected within this key, the song does feature some interesting variations in the form of borrowed chords coming from the parallel minor key (C minor) – a common technique used in pop and rock music.

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#