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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Your Song” is characterized by a varied and complex chord progression that helps to emphasize the emotional complexity of the lyrics. This is apparent in the progression used in Verse 2, which employs several techniques used frequently by Elton John. These include the use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, modal mixture, and chromatic bass movements to add emotional color and reinforce the feeling of tension and resolution in the song’s narrative.

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Generally, the chord progression follows the conventional guidelines of western music, utilizing strong resolution from B (V) to E (I). However, it also employs some harmony techniques very typical in pop/rock music, such as the use of slash chords and chord inversions (A/E, F#m7/E) to add harmonic interest. In addition, it incorporates chromatic mediant relationships (E to C#m) to create a sense of progression.

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This iconic Britpop song predominantly features the use of traditional tonal harmony found in pop songs throughout the late 20th century, and the verse specifically recalls the harmonic patterns utilized in the 1950s and 60s. The defining feature of this song (as is the case with many Oasis tunes) is the use of returning, resounding repetitions of simple chord sequences.

The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix is a classic rock ballad written in the key of F major, based around a somewhat simple, yet effective, chord progression. There are a few borrowed chords and modulations that add to the harmonic complexity and characteristic guitar work by Hendrix. The song’s structure consists of a verse, followed by a brief pre-chorus, and a chorus before repeating.

The chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” can be characterized as a mixture of jazz harmonies and pop sensibilities. The verse progression features major and minor seventh chords, a few borrowed chords, and a prominent chromatic movement.

Chord progression analysis (including borrowed chords)
1. F#maj7 (I)
2. F#maj7/B (I6)
3. Fmaj7 (bImaj7 – borrowed chord)
4. G#m7 (iii7)
5. D7#5 (VI7#5 – borrowed chord)
6. F#maj7 (I)
7. F#maj7/B (I6)
8. Fmaj7 (bImaj7 – borrowed chord)
9. G#m7 (iii7)
10. D7#5 (VI7#5 – borrowed chord)

The chord progression starts with the tonic F#maj7 and moves through a first inversion of the same chord (F#maj7/B) before introducing borrowed chords (Fmaj7 and D7#5) from the parallel minor key, creating tension and color. The G#m7 is a diatonic iii7 chord, adding to the jazzy feel of the song.

Elton John – Your Song – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘Gmaj7’, ‘A/C#’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘Bmadd11/A’, ‘Bmadd11/G#’, ‘G’, ‘D/A’, ‘A’, ‘Asus2’, ‘F#’, ‘Bm’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘Asus4’, ‘A’, ‘Asus2’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here’s the list of chords you provided for Verse 1, with the Roman numeral analysis.

– D (‘I’)
– Gmaj7 (‘IVmaj7’)
– A/C# (‘V6’)
– F#m (‘iii’)
– Bm (‘vi’)
– Bmadd11/A (‘viadd11/5’)
– Bmadd11/G# (‘viadd11/#4’)
– G (‘IV’)
– D/A (‘I/5’)
– A (‘V’)
– Asus2 (‘Vsus2’)
– F# (‘III’)
– Bm (‘vi’)
– D (‘I’)
– Em (‘ii’)
– G (‘IV’)
– A (‘V’)
– Asus4 (‘Vsus4’)
– A (‘V’)
– Asus2 (‘Vsus2’)

Similar Chord Progressions

For similar chord progressions, we could look at these songs –

1. Let it Be – The Beatles: [‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘C’]
2. Imagine – John Lennon: [‘C’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘F’, ‘C/E’, ‘F’, ‘C’]

They share similar characteristic traits of augmentation, inversions and stepwise bass movement although they are not exactly identical.

Musical Analysis

The verse progression begins with a relatively straightforward I-IV-V, common in pop and rock music. However, the beauty lies in its creative use of various chord inversions and added note chords. For instance, the use of A/C# (‘V6’) and then transitioning to F#m (‘iii’) results in a smooth stepwise bass movement. Similarly, the use of Bmadd11/A and Bmadd11/G# gives the progression a sophisticated feel.

The ‘III’ chord or F#, is a ‘borrowed chord’ from D major’s parallel minor (D minor). It’s used to create a brief tension that is relieved immediately by moving to Bm (‘vi’) chord.

Overall Analysis

Elton John’s melody for “Your Song” is an elegant example of varied harmonization and creative chord usage. The verse chord progression is in the key of D Major, but employs the use of borrowed chords and modulation for enhancing musical flavour and interest.

Style Analysis

The chord choices in “Your Song” reflect Elton John’s classical influences, yet maintain a pop sensibility. The added note chords and inversions provide an ornate harmonic texture typical of his style and the era in which the song was written. More importantly, the resultant stepwise bass movement and voice leading keep the progression engaging for the listeners.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Your Song by Elton John are:

[‘D’, ‘Gmaj7’, ‘A/C#’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘Bmadd11/A’, ‘Bmadd11/G#’, ‘G’, ‘D/A’, ‘A’, ‘Asus2’, ‘F#’, ‘Bm’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘Asus4’, ‘A’, ‘Asus2’]