Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

**

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.

**

The modality of the song “Yet Again” by Grizzly Bear is primarily in A minor, which makes it a piece in the minor modality. This song uses several traditional progression elements, but intermixes them with unexpected changes, especially the shift from E minor to F major, and the chromatic shift from G major to B flat major.

This chord progression is in the key of Am. The work can be seen as a mix of the Western tonal harmony, incorporating the use of inversions alongside nondiatonic chords. Tame Impala employs the elements of neo-psychedelia with unique chord progressions and arrangements. The alteration between two chords creates a revolving feeling, reinforcing the title “alter ego”.

The chorus of “Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails is built upon a repeating four-chord progression of Gm-Bb-F-C. This song is in the key of Bb major (with two flats in the key signature, Bb and Eb). All the chords used in this song are derived from the Bb major scale, which makes this a diatonic chord progression. There is no borrowed or chromatic harmony in this song.

Coldplay – Viva La Vida – Chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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)

“`
Borrowed Chord: None in this progression.
“`

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’]