Coldplay – Viva La Vida – Verse 1
Viva La Vida < 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.
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Borrowed Chord: None in this progression.
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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.
What are the chords in: Coldplay – Viva La Vida – Verse 1?
[‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’]
