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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.

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The given chord progression is from the verse of Beck’s song “Morning.” The progression is in the key of E Major and follows a cyclical pattern throughout the verse.

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The chord progression for verse 3 of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” utilizes multiple techniques to create a rich and emotive sound. These techniques include diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and extended harmony. The progression follows a general pattern, with a repeated structure that helps unify the verse.

“Yesterday” is predominantly composed in the key of F Major. The song is a classic in pop songwriting and showcases the effective use of borrowed chords to capture a unique, nostalgic sound that has made it one of the most covered songs in pop music. Specifically, in this verse, the use of secondary dominants and borrowed chords from the parallel minor key provides the song’s distinctive tonal color.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a hard rock song that was released in 1969. The song features a famous guitar riff with a simple, blues-influenced chord progression. That guitar riff is based on the D and E chords and can be heard throughout the main part of the song. The verse consists of the same primary chords as the riff, with slight variations in the E chord during the iconic “You need cooling” vocal part. The overall harmonic structure of the song with its repeating chords D and E gives it a strong I-V dynamic while staying in the D Mixolydian mode. Additionally, the guitar riff borrows elements of other blues progressions, creating a distinguished sound.

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#