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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Wicked Game” has a distinct melancholic tone facilitated by the minor chord progression. The repeating pattern enhances the hypnotic sense of longing Isaak is known for. Isaak’s use of reverb and echo effects on the electric guitar contributes to the “dreamy” and somewhat eerie atmosphere of the song.

“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak is in the key of B minor. The chord progression for the section provided, which is the verse, is unique due to its simplicity, making it easily accessible and memorable. Even though it is incredibly simple, consisting of just three chords, the progression manages to evoke a strong sense of melancholy and longing, which resonates powerfully with the song’s lyrical themes.

The chord progression of “Say Goodbye” by Beck uses a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords within the key of G major. The verse features a total of 8 chords: G major, A# major, A minor, and C major. The use of a borrowed chord (A# major) adds an interesting twist to the progression and provides a unique color to the harmony.

“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is a song in the key of G Major with a chord progression marked by the use of common chords and a few borrowed chords from other keys. The usage of minor and major chords conjures a variety of emotions synonymous with the mood of the song. The repetitive nature of the sequence creates a cyclical feeling that gives a strong sense of the song’s emotional journey.

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“Paint It, Black” by The Rolling Stones is arranged in a minor key, specifically E minor. The verse chord progression of the song exhibits a fairly common pattern in 60’s rock and pop music, incorporating the use of both diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

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Chris Isaak – Wicked Game – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The entire verse revolves around the chords B minor (‘i’), A major (‘VII’) and E major (‘IV’). The A major is the 7th degree in B minor key and the E major is the 4th degree in B minor key.

““
B minor (‘i’), A major (‘VII’), E major (‘IV’),
B minor (‘i’), A major (‘VII’), E major (‘IV’),
B minor (‘i’), A major (‘VII’), E major (‘IV’),
B minor (‘i’), A major (‘VII’), E major (‘IV’)
““

Similar Chord Progressions

A number of other artists have used similar progressions to great effect and have created similarly emotive songs. One prominent example is the classic “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals. Here’s the core chord progression:

““
House of the Rising Sun by The Animals:
Am (‘i’), C (‘III’), D (‘IV’), F (‘VI’),
Am (‘i’), C (‘E’), E (‘VII’).
““

Note the use of both minor and major chords to create suspense and interest, as well as the use of borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. We can see similarities between this song and “Wicked Game”. Both use a borrowing technique to include major chords from the parallel major key, and both songs have a haunting, melancholic feel underscoring the emotive lyrics.

Musical Analysis

The song begins on the tonic chord (Bm – ‘i’), providing a sense of home base. This is then followed by A major (‘VII’), which acts as a subtonic chord. The subtonic chord provides a strong pull back to the tonic chord.
Finally, we have the E major (‘IV’) chord – this is a borrowed chord from the parallel major scale (B Major), which adds more color and tension to the progression, making it interesting and less predictable.

Overall Analysis

“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak utilizes a repetitive three-chord-per-measure progression throughout the song. It is notable for its haunting, melancholic, and mysteriously romantic sound largely because of its repeated progression and very carefully chosen blend of major and minor chords, within the key signature of B minor.

Style Analysis

Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” is typically categorized as a ballad within the rock genre. Its haunting and emotive melody are not unlike those of many classic rock ballads, and the alternation between minor and major chords helps to amplify the emotional tension and expressiveness of the song.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Wicked Game by Chris Isaak are:

[‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘E’]