Coldplay – Yellow – Verse 2
Yellow < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Coldplay – Yellow – Verse 2?
[‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘G’, ‘Gsus4’]
