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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The verse of “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John is generally in the key of C major (with some temporary modulations) and features a varied and interesting chord progression that is indicative of Elton John’s complex, piano-driven musical style.

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a song written by Elton John that features a complex chord progression that effectively complements the haunting and nostalgic quality of the song’s lyrics. The primary key of the song is D major, while parts of the progression borrow from both the parallel minor (D minor) and the relative minor (B minor). The use of these borrowed chords adds harmonic interest and enhances the song’s evocative, wistful mood.

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane uses a handful of straightforward major and minor chords which contribute to a pop, atmospheric, and emotive sound indicative of the band’s alternative rock aesthetic. The chord progression of the pre-chorus is fairly common and creates a cyclical and slightly unsettled feel that fits well with the song’s lyrical themes of uncertainty and longing for return.

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis, a popular rock ballad, is characterized by its melancholic chord progressions. Its key is major, specifically C Major, but it involves a frequent use of borrowed chords for a touch of bitterness, matching the poignant lyrics.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994, is a well-known song distinguished by its catchy synth lines, explosive percussion, and provocative lyricism. Hinged on a distinct, repeating synth bassline, the song employs a fundamental chord progression epitomizing the alternative rock and industrial genres. Its tonal centre revolves around the key of C# minor.

Elton John – Tiny Dancer – Pre-Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘Ab’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘Cm’, ‘Ab’, ‘Bb’, ‘Bdim’, ‘G/D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Pre-chorus: ‘Ab’ (VI), ‘Bb’ (VII), ‘Gm’ (v), ‘Cm’ (ii), ‘Ab’ (VI), ‘Bb’ (VII), ‘Bdim’ (vii°), ‘G/D’ (V).

“`
Ab Major – VI
– (borrowed from C minor)

Bb Major – VII
– (borrowed from C minor)

G minor – v
C minor – ii
Ab Major – VI
– (borrowed from C minor)

Bb Major – VII
– (borrowed from C minor)

B diminished – vii°
G/D – V
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

– “Hey Jude” by The Beatles uses a similar technique of incorporating borrowed chords, in this case from the parallel minor. In the verse, it oscillates between the I and IV chords, but interestingly borrows the iv chord in the interlude, giving a temporary shift in mood before the final chorus.
– In “Creep” by Radiohead, there’s a non-diatonic chord progression using a borrowed ‘B major’ chord which changes the tonality. The verse repeats the following sequence: ‘G’ (I), ‘B’ (III), ‘C’ (IV), ‘Cm’ (iv).
– “Imagine” by John Lennon also has a similar approach, most notably the transition from ‘C’ (I) to ‘Cmaj7’ to ‘F’ (IV), which is a standard pop music progression, but it is then enhanced with an ‘Fm’ (iv) borrowed chord.

This progression brings an enticing melancholic tinge, much akin to Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer”.

Musical Analysis

The pre-chorus introduces a sudden modulation shifting the song from the comfortable C Major to the parallel C minor which adds drama and tension before diving into the chorus. Notably, the pre-chorus starts with the ‘Ab’ and ‘Bb’ chords borrowed from the C minor scale, providing a smoother transition for the modulation.

Overall Analysis

“Tiny Dancer” is an iconic song by Elton John from his 1971 album Madman Across the Water. Written in the key of C Major, it genre-wise fits the mold of pop music from the early 1970s. Structurally, the song displays unique nuances, especially in its pre-chorus, which shifts the tonal center and incorporates some borrowed chords from parallel minor scales.

Style Analysis

This song, like many of Elton John’s efforts, marries pop sensibilities with sophisticated harmonic language. The utilization of borrowed chords from parallel keys is quintessential of Elton John’s style, giving his music an unanticipated edge. Also, it enhances the dramatic story telling in Bernie Taupin’s lyrics.

Chords in the Pre-chorus section of Tiny Dancer by Elton John are:

[‘Ab’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘Cm’, ‘Ab’, ‘Bb’, ‘Bdim’, ‘G/D’]