Elton John – Tiny Dancer – Pre-Chorus
Tiny Dancer < All Analyses
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).
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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.
What are the chords in: Elton John – Tiny Dancer – Pre-Chorus?
[‘Ab’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘Cm’, ‘Ab’, ‘Bb’, ‘Bdim’, ‘G/D’]
