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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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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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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.

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls is a song in the key of D Major, and uses a very common pop/rock chord progression. The sheer repetition of the progression throughout the verse establishes a solid harmonic background upon which the melody can freely roam. Chords include the primary triads (I, IV, V) which are D, G, A, minor variations of the secondary triads (ii, iii, vi), which are Em, F#m, Bm.

** The overall use of chords highlights Queen’s blending of rock with more complex harmonic structures, moving beyond simple major & minor chords and incorporating 7th and inversions. Despite its pop/rock surface, “Somebody to Love” includes interesting modulation and chord choices that could be seen as more typical of more ‘classical’ forms of music.

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“Across The Universe” by The Beatles, written mostly by John Lennon, is known for its rich and complex harmonic structures that added new dimensions to pop music. The song is predominately in the key of D major, with occasional borrowings from the parallel minor (D minor) and the closely-related key of B minor. The verse 1 progression – D, Bm, F#m, Em7, A, A7, D, Bm, F#m, Em7, Gm – creates an affectingly melancholic mood through its mix of major, minor and borrowed chords, producing a unique ambience that evokes a sense of cosmic contemplation, matching with the philosophical lyrics of the song.

Coldplay – Viva La Vida – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

C, D, G, Em, C, D, G, Em

Chord Progression Analysis

The verse chord progression is as follows:

– C Major (“IV”)
– D Major (“V”)
– G Major (“I”)
– E minor (“vi”)
– C Major (“IV”)
– D Major (“V”)
– G Major (“I”)
– E minor (“vi”)

This progression can be described as a iv-V-I-vi progression, common in many different styles of music.

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Borrowed Chord: None in this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. In the song “Let It Be” by Beatles, we can find a similar progression in the chorus:
– C Major (“IV”)
– G Major (“I”)
– A minor (“ii”)
– F Major (“V”)

2. The song “Over The Rainbow” by Judy Garland returns to this chord progression fixing on the timeless iv-V-I-vi progression:
– C Major (“I”)
– E minor (“iii”)
– F Major (“IV”)
– D minor (“ii”)

Please note that even though these examples might have same roman numerals progression, the emotion captured by these progressions can be quite different due to the unique incorporation by the composers.

Musical Analysis

In terms of musical analysis, this is a very common and effective progression. It has a comforting, familiar sound due to its extensive use in popular music. The transition from IV to V creates an expectation for resolution which is met when it moves to the I chord, and then it takes a melancholic turn when it falls to vi.

Overall Analysis

“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay is a pop song that sits primarily in the key of G major, featuring four common chords: C Major, D Major, G Major, and E minor. The song’s simplicity lies in the consistent use of these chords, which creates a consistent harmony throughout the song.

Style Analysis

It’s interesting to note Coldplay’s style here. They prefer major chords to give uplifting spiritual feeling, supplemented by minor chord for a measured dose of melancholy and a balanced, contrasting feeling. This manifests their signature sound – ambivalent, anthemic, and emotionally resonant.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Viva La Vida by Coldplay are:

C, D, G, Em, C, D, G, Em