Elton John – Rocket Man – Chorus
Rocket Man < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G/B’, ‘A’, ‘Asus4’, ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Gsus4’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G/B’, ‘A’, ‘Asus4’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Gsus4’, ‘G’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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G (I), C (IV), C (IV), G (I),
G (I), C (IV), C (IV), G/B (I 1st inversion),
A (II), Asus4 (IIsus4), A (II), C (IV),
G (I), Gsus4 (Isus4), G (I), C (IV),
G (I), C (IV), C (IV), G (I),
G (I), C (IV), C (IV), G/B (I 1st inversion),
A (II), Asus4 (IIsus4), C (IV),
G (I), Gsus4 (Isus4), G (I)
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Borrowed Chord:
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Asus4 is borrowed from the parallel minor. In the key of G Major, the II chord is A minor.
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“`Asus4 herewith can be considered as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor), where it shows up as III chord.“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Let It Be” – The Beatles:
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G (I), D/F# (V 1st inversion), Em (ii), C (IV)
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2. “No Woman, No Cry” – Bob Marley:
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G (I), C (IV)
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3. “Sweet Child O Mine” – Guns N’Roses:
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G (I), D/F# (V 1st inversion), Am (ii), C (IV)
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The chord progression in “Rocket Man” is not exactly duplicated by these songs, they all share a melodic flow between I and IV (G and C) chords, and the device of using first inversion and sus/borrowed chords for flavor and interest.
Musical Analysis
The repetitive switching between the I and IV chord (G and C) sets up the sentimental vibe of the song. The use of borrowed chords adds to the level of complexity and emotion within the song, providing unexpected color and interest.
Overall Analysis
This is a beautiful chorus from “Rocket Man,” a song by Elton John. The overall vibe of the song is nostalgic and melancholy, largely due to the combination of key changes, chord progression, and Elton John’s vocal melody. The song appears to be in the key of G major.
Style Analysis
Elton John is known for his use of rich and varied chord progressions in his music. His use of major, minor, sus, borrowed and inverted chords in this song only reinforces his unique and emotional style.
What are the chords in: Elton John – Rocket Man – Chorus?
[‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G/B’, ‘A’, ‘Asus4’, ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Gsus4’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G/B’, ‘A’, ‘Asus4’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Gsus4’, ‘G’]
