Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

**

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.

**

“Yellow” by Coldplay is written in the key of G major. The song maintains a consistent use of diatonic chords from its own major key, with a predominant chord progression in the bridge and other sections being G – D – Cmaj7. Briefly, the song changes to a minor key using the Dm7 chord as a poignant moment in its structure.

“Let It Be” by The Beatles utilizes a very accessible and effective chord progression throughout the song. This progression is designed to create tension and release as it progresses, as well as establish the root key of the song, which is C Major.

The chords used throughout the song show a strong use of borrowed chords, inversions, and extensions, adding to the depth and complexity of the song despite the relatively uncomplicated chord progression.

The balance between the root key, dissonance, resolution, and overall harmony creates an emotive and engaging song that maintains listener interest and displays the songwriting abilities of The Beatles.

“Glory Box” by Portishead is a Trip Hop masterpiece which blends elements of blues, rock, soul, and electronic music together in an innovative and influential way. The song’s chord progression, as illustrated by the verse, is D minor, D minor with C in the bass (notated as Dm/C), B minor 7 flat 5, and B flat major 7. This particular chord progression gives an overall melancholy and haunting feeling throughout the song and sets the tone for the track.

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a melancholic song with an emotional chord progression. The song is in the key of A Major and features a mixture of diatonic chords, suspended chords, and extended chords that create a sense of yearning and tension. The verse is characterized by a cyclical progression that begins and ends on the tonic (A), providing a sense of unresolved tension. This helps to support the song’s themes of artificiality and dissatisfaction.

Coldplay – Viva La Vida – Verse 1

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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.

“`code
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’]