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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Lost Cause” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective pattern utilizing major chords and a dominant seventh chord, which creates tension and resolution throughout the progression. The song is in C major, and the chords predominantly follow the diatonic harmony of the key. The style is reminiscent of folk and alternative rock, with the harmony playing a significant role in evoking a sense of melancholy in the listener.

“Landslide” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a subtly complicated piece of music. At first glance, the chord progression may seem simple, but it actually incorporates a number of rich musical techniques that give the song its iconic depth and emotional resonance. The song follows a simple yet powerful chord progression and relies heavily on the interplay between the root C major chord, the G6, and the Am minor. There is a recurring theme of returning to the G6, which creates tension and suggests feelings of melancholy or introspection.

“`plaintext
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

Verse 3 of Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack features a melancholic and non-functional chord progression that showcases the band’s use of interesting chord voicings as well as the mixture of major and minor modalities. The progression revolves around the G major, and shifts between borrowed chords and non-conventional chord extensions such as the sus2 chord. This approach is typical of alternative rock bands like Radiohead, which often stray away from traditional norms in favor of innovative and evocative harmonies.

Beck – Sexx Laws – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#

Chord Progression Analysis

B Major (I), G# Major (VI+), B Major (I), G# Major (VI+), B Major (I), G# Major (VI+), A Major (VII), F# Major (V)

`G# Major (VI+)` is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key.

Similar Chord Progressions

– Radiohead – “No Surprises”: [‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘C’]
F Major (I), A Minor (III), E Major (V+/IV), F Major (I), A Minor (III), E Major (V+/IV), F Major (I), C Major (V)

– The Beatles – “Blackbird”: [‘G’, ‘A’, ‘C#m’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘C#m’, ‘B’, ‘G’]
G Major (I), A Major (II), C# Minor (iv), G Major (I), A Major (II), C# Minor (iv), B Major (III), G Major (I)

Both of these examples feature borrowed chords and utilize chromatic mediants to create tension in their chord progressions, similar to “Sexx Laws” by Beck. They show how artists from various musical styles and eras have employed these techniques to create unique and engaging harmonic movement in their songs.

Musical Analysis

The verse 3 chord progression starts with the tonic B Major, establishing a strong sense of tonality. The progression then moves to G# Major, a chromatic mediant relationship. This borrowed chord from the parallel minor key adds a sense of surprise and tension. The pattern repeats twice, further accentuating the tension.

The progression then moves to A Major, the subtonic, which is commonly found in modal interchange as well as rock and pop music, creating a sense of movement towards the dominant. The verse finally resolves to the dominant, F# Major, creating a sense of resolution and anticipation for the next section of the song.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The use of borrowed chords is a common feature in Beck’s music, which often experiments with various musical styles and techniques. The presence of the chromatic mediant relationship in the progression adds a touch of unpredictability commonly found in Beck’s style. The song comfortably combines elements of rock, pop, and funk, with a particular emphasis on the funky groove that drives its momentum.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Sexx Laws by Beck are:

B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#