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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression of “Get You” by Daniel Caesar is intriguing and rich. The progression has a smooth, soulful sound with interesting uses of borrowed chords that add an alluring complexity to the song.

The chord progression in Verse 3 of Daniel Caesar’s “Get You” consists of a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel minor. The overall tonality is in the B minor key. The smooth, soulful sound of the progression is achieved through the use of minor chords, mixed with major seventh chords, and the cycle of fifths progression in some measures.

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls is well-known for its unique tuning and chords which adds a certain tenderness and emotional depth to the song. The song is in D Major and utilizes a repeated chord progression that is relatively simple but effective.

“Creep” by Radiohead is an alternative rock song in the key of G major, with a somewhat melancholic tone. The chord progression used is iconic, and it heavily relies on borrowed chords to create tension and resolution in the harmony. This use of chords creates a distinct sound that has become synonymous with the song.

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song from their iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon (1973). The listed chords form the harmonic basis of the chorus section. The harmony is characterized by diatonic major seventh chords, interspersed with a few borrowed chords. The chorus features a fluctuating major/minor tonality, giving the song an emotional and contemplative feel.

Daniel Caesar – Get You – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Em, F#m7, Bm, A7, Em, F#m7, Bm, A7

Chord Progression Analysis

Em (ii), F#m7 (iii7), Bm (vi), A7 (V7), Em (ii), F#m7 (iii7), Bm (vi), A7 (V7)
`Borrowed Chord: Em (ii borrowed from D minor)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers: Cmaj7 (I7), Bm7 (ii7), Em7 (iii7), A7 (V7), Dm7 (vi7), G7 (V7 of Cmaj7)
2. “Killing Me Softly” by Roberta Flack: Fmaj7 (I7), Gmaj7 (V7 of ii), Em7 (ii7), Am7 (vi7), Dm7 (vi7), G7 (V7 of Fmaj7)

Both “Lovely Day” and “Killing Me Softly” employ similar R&B/soul chord progressions utilizing borrowed chords, creating a lush harmony that evokes emotional warmth. The play between major and minor tonalities and smooth chord transitions are characteristic of these songs and create a connection to Caesar’s “Get You.”

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in “Get You” starts with a borrowed ii chord (Em) from the parallel minor key, D minor, immediately establishing a unique and evocative sound. This is followed by the iii7 (F#m7), vi (Bm), and V7 (A7) chords, all diatonic to D major, giving the progression a sense of familiarity, while still retaining its distinctive color. The progression then repeats, reinforcing the overall harmony.

The use of the borrowed chord (Em) creates a mix of both minor and major tonalities, which contributes to the song’s warm and emotional atmosphere. The presence of the iii7 (F#m7), vi (Bm), and V7 (A7) chords provides a sense of resolution and direction to the progression, with the V7 chord functioning as a dominant, driving the tension towards the next repetition of the progression.

Overall Analysis

“Get You” by Daniel Caesar is a soulful R&B ballad featuring a smooth and emotive chord progression that is both melancholic and uplifting. The progression is derived from the key of D major, but features a borrowed chord from its parallel minor key, D minor, which adds a unique flair to the song. Daniel Caesar’s vocal performance, accompanied by soulful instrumentation, creates a sense of nostalgia and emotional evocation that is characteristic of the R&B genre.

Style Analysis

“Get You” is a contemporary R&B and soul ballad, evoking the classic feel of timeless artists such as Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, but with updated production and arrangements. Caesar’s delivery is smooth and heartfelt, his voice blending with the instruments to create a rich and enveloping atmosphere. The combination of the soulful chord progression, borrowed chords, and Caesar’s silky vocals project a nostalgic and emotional feel that is characteristic of the genre.

Chords in the Chorus section of Get You by Daniel Caesar are:

Em, F#m7, Bm, A7, Em, F#m7, Bm, A7