Coldplay – Yellow – Outro
Yellow < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘G’, ‘Dm7’, ‘Cmaj7’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The outro of “Yellow” comprises the chords:
– G Major (‘I’)
– D minor 7 (‘vø7’)
– C Major 7 (‘IV7’)
Here we have a I-vø7-IV7 progression.
“`Chord Borrowing:
Borrowed Chord: D minor 7 (‘vø7’) is a borrowed chord from G minor scale.“`
Similar Chord Progressions
Similar to “Yellow”, Radiohead’s “High and Dry” uses a similar chord progression in its verse:
– E Major (‘I’)
– C# minor 7 (‘vi7’)
– A Major 7 (‘IV7’)
This progression also begins on the tonic, employs a minor seventh chord, and finishes on a major seventh chord for a similar emotional effect. Despite the different chords used, the essence of the chord progression is quite similar to that of “Yellow” by Coldplay.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression begins on G Major, the tonic of the key, providing stability and a starting point. It then moves to D minor 7, a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor). This adds a layer of surprise or tension as it deviates from the expected D Major in a typical G Major key progression. Finally, it resolves to C Major 7, a major seventh chord that adds a layer of richness and sweetness to the end of the progression.
Overall Analysis
“Yellow” by Coldplay is in the key of G major and employs a mix of diatonic chords, extended chords such as the seventh chords, and the occasional borrowed chord from G minor. The progression presents variations of a common IV-V-I pattern seen in pop and rock music.
Style Analysis
“Yellow” features characteristics of pop and rock ballad styles. The use of the simple chord progression with an unexpected borrowed chord contributes to the song’s memorable and emotive nature. Additionally, the utilization of major seventh chords, such as the Cmaj7, injects a jazzy, sophisticated flavor into the song, differentiating it from other pop and rock songs.
What are the chords in: Coldplay – Yellow – Outro?
[‘G’, ‘Dm7’, ‘Cmaj7’]
