Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Jolene” by Dolly Parton is a classic country song written in A minor. Its chord progression is an iconic reflection of the country and folk genres, and is a study of simplicity and effective songwriting.

The chord progression of “Jolene” uses primarily diatonic chords but also includes a borrowed chord which introduces a touch of complexity to the harmonic structure of the song.

The given chord progression is from the chorus of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator, a contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul artist. The progression features a smooth and mellow tonality, characterized by the use of 7th chords. The chord progression is in the key of Bb Major and showcases the use of mostly diatonic chords with a repetition that contributes to the song’s catchy nature.

The modality of the song “Yet Again” by Grizzly Bear is primarily in A minor, which makes it a piece in the minor modality. This song uses several traditional progression elements, but intermixes them with unexpected changes, especially the shift from E minor to F major, and the chromatic shift from G major to B flat major.

“Electric Feel” by MGMT is a funky and psychedelic pop song with an infectious groove and memorable hooks. The chorus consists of a chord progression that features a variety of diatonic chords along with a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. The progression is based around oscillations between minor and major tonalities, which adds a sense of tension and release. This, combined with the rhythmic syncopation and psychedelic production, contributes to the iconic and unique character of the song.

Dolly Parton – Jolene – Chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

[‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’]

Chord Progression Analysis

**
The Chorus is [‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’] arranged in a series of IV-I-V-VI

Full Chord Names (‘Roman Numerals’)
– A minor (‘vi’)
– C major (‘I’)
– G major (‘V’)
– E minor (‘iii’)

**

Similar Chord Progressions

**

1. “Horse with No Name” by America – [‘Em’, ‘D6/9’, ‘Em’] (although simplified, it’s similar in the use of a minor key, repeated chords, and a raised fifth degree)
“`
Full Chord Names (‘Roman Numerals’)
– E minor (‘ii’)
– D6/9 (‘I add6 add9’)
“`
2. “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals – [‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘Am’] (similar in using primarily I-IV-V progressions in a minor key)
“`
Full Chord Names (‘Roman Numerals’)
– A minor (‘vi’)
– C major (‘I’)
– D major (‘II’)
– F major (‘IV’)
– E major (‘V’)
“`

Musical Analysis

**
The song’s tonal center is around the A minor chord, the vi degree in the C major scale, hence the song is in the key of A minor. The chord progression is straightforward with most being I-IV-V progressions, which is a common popular music progression.

It’s important to note that the move from G to Am (V-vi) is a deceptive resolution. The V chord typically would go to I in a perfect cadence, especially common in popular music. However, ‘Jolene’ moves to the vi chord, adding a sense of unresolved tension and melancholy that reflects the lyrics.

**

Overall Analysis

**
The song “Jolene” by Dolly Parton sports a simple yet effective chord progression. The entire song is in the key of C major / A minor (they share the same key signature), with a clear preference for the darker minor tones over the light major tones. This song is a great example of the use of simple chord structures and progressions to evoke emotive sensations.

**

Style Analysis

**
“Jolene” is a perfect example of Dolly Parton’s storytelling mastery, where the chord progression perfectly matches the song’s emotional intensity. The repeated minor chord gives the song a somewhat sad and desperate feeling, reflecting the song’s narrative. The use of a simple and repetitive chord progression makes this country song easy to follow, remember, and sing along to.

**

Chords in the Chorus section of Jolene by Dolly Parton are:

[‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’]