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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 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.

Prince’s “Purple Rain” is a classic power ballad, rooted deeply in pop and rock genres. The chord progressions, with particular emphasis on the one given in Verse 3, underlines Prince’s lyricism and craft, showcasing his unique ability to blend seemingly simple chord progressions to evoke emotional and profound moods. The key of the song is G major.

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The given chord progression is from the verse 3 of the song “The Good Life” by Weezer. The song is in the key of G major and features a mix of diatonic chords from the G major scale and a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor).

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“Creep” by Radiohead is a song in the key of G major that gained significant attention for its melancholic lyrics and distinctive chord progression. The verse chord progression features major chords, followed by a switch to a minor chord, which creates an unexpected twist and contributes to the emotive quality of the song. This specific progression is relatively rare in popular music but has been used in various other songs.

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#