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The chord progression in Daniel Caesar’s “Get You” from Verse 4 features a mixture of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from parallel modes. The progression showcases a smooth, soulful, and somewhat melancholic atmosphere that blends elements of R&B, jazz, and neo-soul.

“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.

Verse 2 of Grizzly Bear’s “Yet Again” presents a straightforward harmonic progression that is common in pop and indie rock music. This series of chords is mainly built around the key of A minor, and uses diatonic chords (those that naturally occur within the key) of this key. The recurring sequence (Am, G, C, F, F, Em, C, Dm) indicates a strong sense of familiarity and predictability, characteristic of many pop/rock anthologies.

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“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails utilizes a relatively simple chord structure, which allows the song to establish a pervasive atmosphere and direct the listener’s focus on the lyrics and melodies. This piece is in the key of C minor, and the chord progression is cyclical in nature, with Verse 2 consisting of the repetition of Cm7 chord throughout.

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“When Doves Cry” by Prince shows the artist’s flair for the unusual. While the song is primarily in A minor, Prince takes liberties with creating unexpected shifts in harmony, which gives the song its unique character. The song revolves around five chords: Am, G, Em, F, and G, repeated throughout the verse. This circular progression offers a sense of continuity, yet Prince’s interpretation and arrangement create a sense of unpredictability.

Daniel Caesar – Get You – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

E minor (i), F# minor 7 (ii7), B minor (v), A7 (IV7), and the progression is repeated four times in Verse 2.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. D’Angelo – “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
Chord Progression: C#m7 (i7), F#m11 (iv11), E6 (bIII6), G#11 (VI11), C#m9 (i9), G#7 (VI7)

2. Erykah Badu – “Next Lifetime”
Chord Progression: Em7 (i7), Gmaj7 (bIIIΔ7), Bm7 (v7), F#m7 (ii7), B9 (V9)

3. Frank Ocean – “Ivy”
Chord Progression: E maj (I), G maj (bIII), C#m7 (vi7), F#m7 (ii7), B7 (V7)

These chord progressions share similarities in their use of mode mixture, borrowed chords, and rich extended harmonies often found in R&B and neo-soul music.

Musical Analysis

The progression begins in the key of E minor, starting with the tonic (i) chord. Then, the progression moves to F#m7, the ii7 chord of E Dorian. This provides a jazzy and unexpected sound while borrowing from the Dorian mode. After that, we have the v chord (Bm) providing tension. Lastly, we have a borrowed A7 (IV7) dominant chord, which resolves the tension and heads back to the beginning of the progression, creating a loop.

In this progression, there are two borrowed chords:
“`
F#m7 (ii7) – Borrowed from E Dorian
A7 (IV7) – Borrowed from E Major
“`

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in Verse 2 of “Get You” by Daniel Caesar features some interesting and often non-diatonic chords. It provides a smooth and lush sound that complements the rest of the song. This progression shows influences from R&B and neo-soul genres, which often use extended and borrowed chords.

Style Analysis

This chord progression features elements of R&B and neo-soul, which are known for their lush textures and creative use of non-diatonic chords and borrowed chords. The combination of mode mixture and borrowed chords create an emotional and sophisticated sound that’s distinctive of Daniel Caesar’s music.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Get You by Daniel Caesar are:

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