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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

“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.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” showcases a unique blend of chords that are not commonly heard together in popular music. The mix of major, minor, and borrowed chords creates an interesting and engaging sound. Its distinctive quality can be found in the use of the A# major chord, which is not diatonic to the key of G major.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Kali Uchis’s “After The Storm” is a mix of diatonic and chromatic chords that create an interesting neo-soul groove. The harmony is primarily based on G# minor, featuring the G#m7 and A#m7 as primary chords, and the D#aug chord adds tension and release within the progression. Additionally, the use of the D#aug chord acts as a chromatic mediant between G#m7 and A#m7.

The chord progression in the verse of “Time To Pretend” by MGMT is primarily built around the key of D major. It features a simple and repetitive structure, with some variations. The chords used are mainly triads and simple extensions, with the occasional use of suspended chords (Dsus2) to create tension and release. The progression showcases the band’s ability to create an engaging and immersive soundscape, while keeping the harmony relatively simple.

Coldplay – Yellow – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

[‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘G’, ‘Gsus4’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
G Major (I),
D Major (V),
Cmaj7 (IV7),
G Major (I),
D Major (V),
Cmaj7 (IV7),
G Major (I),
Gsus4 (Isus4)

“`

Similar Chord Progressions

“Let it Be” by The Beatles: [‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C’]

“`
“C Major (I)”,
“G Major (V)”,
“Am (vi)”,
“F Major (IV)”,
“C Major (I)”,
“G Major (V)”,
“F Major (IV)”,
“C Major (I)”
“`

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis: [‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am G’]

“`
“C Major (I)”,
“G Major (V)”,
“Am (vi)”,
“E Major (III, borrowed chord)”,
“F Major (IV)”,
“G Major (V)”,
“C Major (I)”,
“Am (vi)”,
“G Major (V)”
“`

Each of these songs shares a similar tonality with “Yellow,” sticking to major key chord progressions and containing the use of the IV and V chords from the major scale.

Musical Analysis

This type of chord progression is very common in pop music because it provides a strong pulling effect from the tonic (G Major) to the dominant (D Major), and then a softened passing by the subdominant (Cmaj7).

It’s worth noting that replacing the standard IV chord (C Major) with a IV7 (Cmaj7) adds a touch of sophistication and a lush quality to the sound, which reflects the dreamy, soft-rock vibe the band is known for.

Furthermore, the use of the Gsus4 chord adds more harmonic interest and suspense, as it lacks the leading tendency of the normative major chord.

Overall Analysis

The song “Yellow” by Coldplay uses a fairly standard pop/rock chord progression in the key of G major. It comprises three chords for the main progression: G Major (I), D Major (V), and Cmaj7 (IV7).

Style Analysis

Coldplay often employs simple, effective harmonic structures underlying ethereal melodies and atmospheric instrumentation. The use of sus4 chord acts as a clever way to enhance the textural layer of the song and add an emotional richness—touching upon the sense of longing in the lyrics.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Yellow by Coldplay are:

[‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘G’, ‘Gsus4’]