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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“`plaintext
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

The key of the song is D major which makes it easier to analyze the chord progression according to the diatonic scale in the key of D Major.

The chord progression in the verse of “Apocalypse Please” by Muse is mostly based on the F#m and C# chords, with a strong emphasis on the i and V7 relationship. The progression moves back and forth between these two chords without straying far from the Tonality of F# minor while maintaining a tension and release structure.

“Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine, draws its magic from a mix of interesting chord progressions and different rhythms. The use of added notes in several chords (Cadd9, Emadd9) introduces additional color into the mix, creating a rich and thoughtful atmosphere. The tonality of the song is in G Major, despite the liberal use of the Cadd9 in the progression. We’ll use this tonality for the Roman numerals.

“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley is a well-known example of a poignant, introspective ballad with a mix of pop, folk, and gospel elements. It features intricate, emotionally evocative chord progressions that move beyond typical diatonic patterns and uses borrowed chords to create an emotionally charged atmosphere.

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

For Verse 1: [‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]

Here is the

Similar Chord Progressions

“Iris” is an example of the band’s mixture of intimate, heart-on-the-sleeve lyricism with catchy, anthemic pop/rock. These chords are often used in rock, pop, and folk to create a deep emotional resonance. The repetition of the progression throughout the song could symbolize the ongoing struggle of the song’s protagonist in expressing his or her feelings.

Musical Analysis

“`
D Major (I)
E minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
E minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

Overall Analysis

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls is a song in the key of D Major, and uses a very common pop/rock chord progression. The sheer repetition of the progression throughout the verse establishes a solid harmonic background upon which the melody can freely roam. Chords include the primary triads (I, IV, V) which are D, G, A, minor variations of the secondary triads (ii, iii, vi), which are Em, F#m, Bm.

Style Analysis

This chord progression firmly establishes the key of D major (I). The progression moves from the tonic D Major to the predominant (the chords that set up/lead to the dominant, V) E minor (ii) and G Major (IV) chords. Right after that, the chord progression jumps to B minor (vi), which is relative to D Major. Then it falls to the dominant A Major (V), and returns to the subdominant G major (IV). This journey from tonic through relative minor and back adds an undertone of complexity to the progression’s otherwise straight-forward major sound.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Iris by Goo Goo Dolls are:

[‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]