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“Viva la Vida” by Coldplay is predominantly in the key of G Major, and the main chord progression is a four-chord loop: C, D, G, Em, which repeats throughout the song. The chord progression creates a highly emotional, triumphant atmosphere which reflects the lyrics and overall theme of the song. The use of the B minor chord, the flattened third, later in the song adds some depth and complexity to the harmonic structure and provides a relief from the repetition of the main progression.

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This is a simple and common chord progression often known as “four chords” used often in pop and rock music. The song is in G Major and the progression has a I-V-vi-IV pattern.

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“Knights of Cydonia” by Muse features a harmonically straightforward chord progression within the rock style. This progression is primarily based in the key of E minor and centers around the Em, Bm, and A chords. Throughout the song, the driving rhythm, vocal melodies, and transitions between different sections contribute to its energetic and dramatic qualities.

As this song has a distinct classical rock sound, you’ll see a mixture of major and minor chords. The progression is in the key of E major. The use of seventh chords and suspended chords provides a dense harmonic texture.

“I Sat By The Ocean” by Queens of The Stone Age is written in E Major key.

Coldplay – Viva La Vida – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’]

Chord Progression Analysis

These are the full chord names with their roman numerals:

– C Major (IV)
– D Major (V)
– G Major (I)
– E minor (vi)
– C Major (IV)
– D Major (V)
– G Major (I)
– E minor (vi)
– C Major (IV)
– D Major (V)
– G Major (I)
– E minor (vi)
– C Major (IV)
– D Major (V)
– B minor (iii)
– E minor (vi)

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Borrowed Chord: None in this progression.
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Similar Chord Progressions

Here are some songs by other artists that share

Musical Analysis

This progression follows a repeated pattern of IV-V-I-vi, using the strong resolution from the V (D major) to the I (G major) chord. This is then followed by a descending progression from I to vi (G major to E minor). The inclusion of the iii chord (B minor) introduces a slightly melancholic twist to the otherwise upbeat progression.

Overall Analysis

The song “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay is in the key of G major and follows a fairly simple chord progression in the pop/rock genre. This progression particularly makes use of the I, IV, V, and vi chords in this key, which is a typical pop progression.

Style Analysis

Coldplay’s style in this song is typical of their blend of pop-rock and alternative music, with an emphasis on creating anthemic, uplifting choruses. The chord progression is simple and effective, driving the song with a positive, uplifting feel that is intermittently contrasted by the more melancholic iii chord.

Chords in the Chorus section of Viva La Vida by Coldplay are:

[‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘Em’]